Introducing Social Theory

This text traces the development of social theorizing from the classical ideas about modernity of Durkheim, Marx and Weber, through 20th century debates around structure and agency and developments in feminist thinking, to a review of contemporary theoretical controversies in sociology.

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Written in a refreshingly lucid and engaging style and with wide-ranging appeal, Introducing Social Theory provides the reader with a coherent, well-organised and thematic introduction to all the major thinkers, issues and debates in classical and contemporary social theory. 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, this 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 ideal textbook for A-level students and first-year university students taking courses in sociology and social theory. Visit www .polity.co.uk/jones for more information and textbook support.