Situating social theory / Tim May and Jason L. Powell.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

May, Tim, 1957-

Contributor:

Powell, Jason L., 1971-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Sociology--Philosophy.

Sociology.

Social sciences--Philosophy.

Social sciences.

Social sciences--History.

History.

Physical Description:

342 pages ; 23 cm

Edition:

Second edition.

Place of Publication:

Maidenhead ; New York : McGraw-Hill/Open University Press, [2008]

Summary:

The second edition of this original and approachable text examines social theory in the context of its traditions and historical development and explores its contemporary relevance in explaining society and understanding social relations.

The text has been substantially revised and includes three new chapters, two of which depict theory in action, and a new conclusion. The authors have also added new material on both emotion and globalisation.

Situating Social Theory begins by charting the history of social theory, examining its development in terms of the Enlightenment project and the cultural and intellectual contexts in which theorists worked and constructed their ideas. It goes on to critically examine traditions in social thought, including hermeneutics, phenomenology, pragmatism, critical theory, structuralism, actor network theory, systems theory and feminism.

In outlining the main ideas behind these traditions, the form and content of modern social theory is situated within its historical roots, enabling the reader to actively explore the arguments and reflect upon their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the book, the relationships between agency, the social self and social structure provide a thematic coherences. There is a comprehensive bibliography that will help the reader to explore theories of particular interest in greater depth.

Situating Social Theory is an invaluable text for intermediate undergraduate courses within sociology and the wider social sciences and provides an essential source of reference for advanced undergraduates and postgraduate researchers.

Contents:

Part I Situating Social Theory

1 The Enlightenment and the development of social theory 7

2 Seven traditions of renewal, modification and critique 36

Part II Contemporary Theories On Society And Social Life

3 Symbolism and performance in everyday life 71

4 Social life as accomplishment 88

5 Reproducting society in social relations 105

6 Habitus, capital and field: society in social relations 122

7 Action, Networks and intermediaries 139

8 The linguistic turn in critical theory 154

9 Where did all the women go? 175

10 The making of the modern subject 197

11 Beyond modernity? 216

Part III Theories In Action

12 Emotion in social relations 243

13 Globalization 257.

Notes:

Previous ed.: 1996.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [285]-332) and index.

ISBN:

9780335210770

0335210775

9780335210787

0335210783

OCLC:

85828951