How to work with Niklas Luhmann? A practical guide

This short essay offers a practical introduction to Niklas Luhmann's sociological theory. Despite his influence in the German-speaking world, Luhmann remains relatively underappreciated in other parts of the globe. This is partly due to the challenges of engaging with his abstract work that, to many, might seem incompatible with empirical research. The paper aims to bridge this gap by providing a guide to Luhmann's style of theory building and guidelines on how to work with him empirically, especially for those interested in social scientific historical investigations.