Social Theory Today

Author : Anthony Giddens
Publisher : Stanford University Press
Page : 438 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 1987
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 0804715149

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Social Theory Today by Anthony Giddens Pdf

Social theory has undergone dramatic changes over the past fifteen years. The aim of this book is to provide a comprehensive survey of those changes, and an authoritative statement on current trends of development in social thought. The contents of the book range in a systematic way across the major traditions of social theory prominent today. Among the topics covered are the relationships between modern social theory and the 'classics' of the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; the connections between social theory and mathematical social science; and the logical status of generalizations in the social sciences. Traditions of thought discussed include: behaviourism; symbolic interactionism; Parsonian theory; analytical theory; structuralism and post-structuralism; ethnomethodology; structuration theory; world systems theory; Marxism and critical theory.

Author : Alex Law
Publisher : SAGE
Page : 445 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2014-12-01
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781473911147

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Social Theory for Today by Alex Law Pdf

This book is distinctive for extending the usual sociological reach, reopening territory that has lain fallow, set aside from the well-ploughed fields of orthodox social theory. In doing so, Law not only produces fresh insight into familiar theorists but guards against collective forgetting of the sociological canon. - Professor Bridget Fowler, University of Glasgow "An excellent book, it will be welcomed and read widely by advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and scholars in sociology, cultural studies, social theory and beyond." - Professor Chris Shilling, University of Kent Social Theory for Today guides students through the ‘turns’ of past and present social theory as it attempts to wrestle with a recurring sense of crisis in social relations and social theory. Drawing on both classical and contemporary sources, Alex Law provides readers with a firm grasp of competing perspectives. Too often social theories attempt to dominate the field by casting rival theorists, past and present, as deluded fools, while the more familiar ‘big names’ in social theory are subject to ever-increasing commentary that runs in ever-decreasing circles. This survey of social theory and crisis lessens the temptation to engage in internal theoretical polemics and esoteric wordplay. Social theory must become practical and specific if it is to become a means of orientation for uncertain times. This is a must-read for upper level undergraduate and postgraduate students looking for a vibrant and extended understanding of social theory.

Author : Claudio E. Benzecry,Monika Krause,Isaac Ariail Reed
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Page : 416 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2017-08-14
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780226475318

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Social Theory Now by Claudio E. Benzecry,Monika Krause,Isaac Ariail Reed Pdf

The landscape of social theory has changed significantly over the three decades since the publication of Anthony Giddens and Jonathan Turner’s seminal Social Theory Today. Sociologists in the twenty-first century desperately need a new agenda centered around central questions of social theory. In Social Theory Now, Claudio E. Benzecry, Monika Krause, and Isaac Ariail Reed set a new course for sociologists, bringing together contributions from the most distinctive?sociological?traditions?in an ambitious survey of where social theory is today and where it might be going. The book?provides a strategic window onto social theory based on current research, examining trends in classical traditions and the cutting edge of more recent approaches. From distinctive theoretical positions, contributors address questions about?how social order is accomplished; the role of materiality, practice, and meaning; as well as the conditions for the knowledge of the social world. The theoretical traditions presented include cultural sociology, microsociologies, world-system theory and post-colonial theory, gender and feminism, actor network and network theory, systems theory, field theory, rational choice, poststructuralism, pragmatism, and the sociology of conventions. Each chapter introduces a tradition and presents an agenda for further theoretical development. Social Theory Now is an essential tool for sociologists. It will be central to the discussion and teaching of contemporary social theory?for years to come.

Author : Steven Seidman
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 368 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 2016-09-15
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781119167594

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Contested Knowledge by Steven Seidman Pdf

In the sixth edition of Contested Knowledge, social theorist Steven Seidman presents the latest topics in social theory and addresses the current shift of 'universalist theorists' to networks of clustered debates. Responds to current issues, debates, and new social movements Reviews sociological theory from a contemporary perspective Reveals how the universal theorist and the era of rival schools has been replaced by networks of clustered debates that are relatively 'autonomous' and interdisciplinary Features updates and in-depth discussions of the newest clustered debates in social theory—intimacy, postcolonial nationalism, and the concept of 'the other' Challenges social scientists to renew their commitment to the important moral and political role social knowledge plays in public life

Author : John Bratton,David Denham
Publisher : University of Toronto Press
Page : 441 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2014-01-24
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781442606531

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Capitalism and Classical Social Theory by John Bratton,David Denham Pdf

Capitalism and Classical Social Theory, Second Edition offers solid coverage of the classical triumvirate (Marx, Durkheim, and Weber), but also extends the canon strategically to include Simmel, four early female theorists, and the writings of Du Bois.

Author : Anthony Giddens
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 308 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 1979-11-29
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 0520039750

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Central Problems in Social Theory by Anthony Giddens Pdf

"One of the most creative among the younger generation of critical social theorists, Giddens stands alone in his concern for the classical tradition on sociology; but he also makes brilliant use of the latest philosophical and theoretical work of several contemporary schools and disciplines. A very important book for all of social science."—Jeffrey C. Alexander

Author : Steven Seidman
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 368 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2016-09-13
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781119167624

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Contested Knowledge by Steven Seidman Pdf

In the sixth edition of Contested Knowledge, social theorist Steven Seidman presents the latest topics in social theory and addresses the current shift of 'universalist theorists' to networks of clustered debates. Responds to current issues, debates, and new social movements Reviews sociological theory from a contemporary perspective Reveals how the universal theorist and the era of rival schools has been replaced by networks of clustered debates that are relatively 'autonomous' and interdisciplinary Features updates and in-depth discussions of the newest clustered debates in social theory—intimacy, postcolonial nationalism, and the concept of 'the other' Challenges social scientists to renew their commitment to the important moral and political role social knowledge plays in public life

Author : John K. Rhoads
Publisher : Penn State Press
Page : 394 pages
File Size : 48,5 Mb
Release : 2010-11-01
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 027104005X

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Critical Issues in Social Theory by John K. Rhoads Pdf

Critical Issues in Social Theory is an analytical survey of persistent controversies that have shaped the field of sociology. It defines, clarifies, and proposes solutions to these "critical issues" through commentary on the writings of such influential social theorists as Hobbes, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Merton, Parsons, and Schutz. Instead of being just another history, or another classification of theories, Rhoads's four-part model allows him to focus attention on issues that remain at the core of sociological theory today. First, Rhoads analyzes the controversy over positivism as the proper methodological model for the study of human society. Is there one science, of which sociology is a branch, or do the peculiarities of sociology's subject matter require a modification of the scientific method borrowed from the natural sciences? Rhoads next considers the relationship of individuals to society and its structures. Does society have a mode of existence distinct from its members, or is it merely an abstraction derived from the characteristics of individuals? Third, a discussion of social order raises the question of whether social order is the consequence of rules and their underlying moral values, or the product of continuous construction based on self-interest. Finally, the relative importance of consensus and conflict in social relationships is addressed. Is society better understood as a community united by beliefs, values, and rules, or is the social dynamic of continual conflict over beliefs, values, and rules more fundamental? In coming to grips with these issues, the author in some instances takes sides and in others arrives at a synthesis of diverse perspectives. In the final chapter he points to the limitations on the possibility of rational action that come to light in the clashes over these basic issues.

Author : Wesley Longhofer,Daniel Winchester
Publisher : Taylor & Francis
Page : 943 pages
File Size : 51,5 Mb
Release : 2023-06-22
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781000888249

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Social Theory Re-Wired by Wesley Longhofer,Daniel Winchester Pdf

This third edition of Social Theory Re-Wired is a significantly revised edition of this leading text and its unique web learning interactive programs that "allow us to go farther into theory and to build student skills than ever before," according to many teachers. Vital political and social updates are reflected both in the text and the online supplements. "System updates" to each section offer an expanded set of contemporary theory readings that focus on the impacts of information/digital technologies on each of the text’s five big themes: 1) the Puzzles of Social Order, 2) the Social Consequences of Capitalism, 3) the Darkside of Modernity, 4) Subordinated/Alternative Knowledges, and 5) Self-Identity and Society. New to this edition: The "big ideas/questions" thematic structure of the text as well as the connections between classical and contemporary theorists continues to be popular with instructors. This feature is enhanced in the new edition An expanded "Podcast Companions" series now pairs at least one podcast to every reading in the book Many new updates to the exercise platform allow students to theorize and build theory on their own New readings excerpts include such important recent work as: Shoshana Zuboff’s "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism," Ruha Benjamin’s "Race After Technology," David Graeber’s "Of Flying Cars and the Declining Rate of Profit," Sherry Turkle’s “Always-On/Always-on-You.”

Author : William Outhwaite
Publisher : Profile Books
Page : 135 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2015-11-19
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781782831754

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Social Theory: Ideas in Profile by William Outhwaite Pdf

Ideas in Profile: Small Introductions to Big Topics In a world that is constantly changing, understanding the world has never been more important. But by thinking in neat segments, we miss the big picture. When economists think about globalisation, they often see trade; politicians see institutions and power; artists see a new global aesthetic. Social theory is what sees them all together. Renowned theorist William Outhwaite takes us on a journey through the major thinkers and topics of this often misunderstood discipline. We move from the the work of Rousseau to the still powerful insights of Marx and on to the great sociologists, Weber and Durkheim. We probe the big questions - why is religion powerful, where does capitalism come from - and move through the key ideas of the twentieth century thought from the Frankfurt School to Bourdieu and Giddens. Lastly Outhwaite questions the role of social theory today. Where does this vital discipline go next and how will its wide horizons help us stand up to the challenge of the twenty-first century?

Author : Anthony Giddens
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 381 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2013-05-28
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780745666563

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Politics, Sociology and Social Theory by Anthony Giddens Pdf

Built upon a series of critical encounters with major figures in classical and present-day social and political thought, this volume offers not only a challenging critique of major traditions of social and political analysis, but unique insights into the ideas which Giddens has developed over the past two decades.

Author : Craig Browne
Publisher : SAGE
Page : 217 pages
File Size : 52,9 Mb
Release : 2016-02-14
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781473911802

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Critical Social Theory by Craig Browne Pdf

An accomplished, sophisticated and up-to-date account of the state of critical social theory today. Craig Browne explores the key concepts in critical theory (like critique, ideology, and alienation), and crucially, goes on to relate them to major contemporary developments such as globalisation, social conflict and neo-liberal capitalism. Critical theory here is not solely the work of Adorno, Horkheimer, Marcuse and Habermas. The book begins with the Frankfurt School but uses this as a base to then explore more contemporary figures such as Nancy Fraser, Axel Honneth, Luc Boltanski, Cornelius Castoriadis, Ulrich Beck, Anthony Giddens, Pierre Bourdieu and Hannah Arendt. A survey of critical social theory for our times, this is an essential guide for students wishing to grasp a critical understanding of social theory in the modern world.

Author : Jonathan H. Turner,Leonard Beeghley,Charles H. Powers
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 538 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 1989
Category : Social Science
ISBN : UCSC:32106008731322

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The Emergence of Sociological Theory by Jonathan H. Turner,Leonard Beeghley,Charles H. Powers Pdf

Author : David Held,John B. Thompson
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 320 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 1989-12-07
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 052126197X

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Social Theory of Modern Societies by David Held,John B. Thompson Pdf

During the past decade, Anthony Giddens has published a series of substantial volumes that have defined a distinctive and original theoretical approach. The twin focal points of his research are the "theory of structuration" and the analysis of "modernity." Giddens' writing on these and related themes are widely recognized as among the most important contributions to theoretical debate in the social sciences. This is the first book to provide a systematic and critical assessment of Giddens' work. It includes eleven critical essays specially commissioned from contributors who are well known in their own fields. In a concluding essay, Giddens responds to the criticisms raised by these and other authors, and clarifies and elaborates on his current views.

Author : Ben Agger
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2006-01-15
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 0199945829

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Critical Social Theories by Ben Agger Pdf

Praised for its clarity and accessibility, this fully updated edition of Critical Social Theories presents a comprehensive analysis of leading social and cultural theories today. The book addresses diverse perspectives, from feminism and cultural studies to postmodernism and critical theory. This second edition includes new chapters on the need for a new public sociology in the post-9/11 era--one that moves beyond both positivism and postmodernism.