In this short introduction, suitable for students at any level, Hartley Dean explains the extraordinary scope and importance of social policy. He explores its foundations and contemporary significance; the principal issues it addresses and their diverse economic, political and sociological dimensions, and concludes by looking at the fundamental challenges facing social policy in a dramatically changing world.
“Stephanie Lawson has done the near impossible by capturing the complexity, diversity, history, and alternative interpretations of international relations in a short, concise, and readable volume.”
— Professor James N. Rosenau, Department of International Affairs, The George Washington University
Michael Bury provides a lively introduction to the sociology of health and illness for students approaching the topic for the first time. Drawing on classic writings and up-to-date research, he contends that the study of health and illness can give us important insights into the changing nature of contemporary culture and society.
In this book R. W. Connell, one of the world’s leading scholars of gender provides a readable introduction to modern gender studies, gender theories, and gender politics. He presents contemporary classics of research, traces the history of Western intellectuals’ ideas, and discusses current findings on gender differences, inequalities and patterns in the state and corporations.
“Makes sociology relevant, exciting and fun, without compromising on intellectual rigour.”
— David Abbott , former Head of Sociology at Hills Road Sixth-Form College
This lively and assured book provides a concise and authoritative critical guide to Cultural Studies. Packed with illuminating examples, and a clear and compelling prose style, the book is the antidote to abstract, hazy accounts of the meaning and value of Cultural Studies. It is the ideal text for readers new to the field, but it will also be appreciated by established practitioners as ‘good to think with’.
