Introducing Social Theory traces the development of social theorizing from the classical ideas about modernity of Durkheim, Marx and Weber, through twentieth century debates around structure and agency and developments in feminist thinking, to a uniquely accessible review of contemporary theoretical controversies in sociology. Focusing on relativism, post-modernity and postmodernism and their critics, the final section of the book provides a cogent and highly readable account of the debates at the heart of social theorising today. Particularly impressive here is the clarity and analytical skill with which the ideas of Foucault, Bauman, Habermas, Beck and Giddens are explained. This book is remarkably easy to follow and understand - students need never be intimidated by social theory again!
Introducing Social Theory is an ideal textbook for A-level students and first-year university students taking courses in sociology and social theory
Key
features
- A coherent, well-organised and thematic introduction to all the major thinkers, issues and debates in classical and contemporary social theory.
- Traces the development of social theorizing
from the classical ideas about modernity of Durkheim,
Marx and Weber to contemporary theoretical controversies
- Provides a cogent and highly readable
account of the debates at the heart of social theorising
today
- Clearly explains the ideas of Foucault, Bauman, Habermas, Beck and Giddens
- This book is remarkably easy to follow and understand - students need never be intimidated by social theory again!
Why not see for yourself?
If you would like to receive a complimentary inspection copy of this book, and teach a relevant course with at least 12 students, simply e-mail Polity.
Please state your name, institution and supply your course details and we will be delighted to send you a copy.
Publication details
Paperback: 0-7456-2699-8
£14.99
Hardback: 0-7456-2698-X £50.00
Publication date: April 2003
Page extent: 224 pages