Overview

Social theory is a crucial resource for the social sciences. It provides rich insights into how human beings think and act, and how contemporary social life is constructed. But often the key ideas of social theorists are expressed in highly technical and difficult language that can hide more than it reveals. Cutting through the often off-putting writing styles of social theorists, this book demonstrates exactly what social theory is about, clearly presenting the key themes of major social theory from the classical thinkers onwards. Areas covered include Marxism, structuralism, post-structuralism, phenomenology, symbolic interactionism, feminism and structuration theories. Wide-ranging in scope and coverage, the book is concise in presentation and free from jargon. Showing why social theory matters, and why it is of far-reaching social and political importance, the book is ideal for students across the social sciences seeking a clear, crisp mapping of a complex but very rewarding area.

Full Product Details

9780745642086

Table of Contents

Reviews

' An Invitation to Social Theory presents a lucid and comprehensive survey of modern and contemporary social theory. Engagingly written, the book demonstrates that the relationships pertaining between appearance and reality in social life are complex and interesting - and that this is the space in which social theorists ply their craft. The book makes a strong case for the illuminating power of theory to help us understand the social world.' Robin Wagner-Pacifici, New School for Social Research, New York 'A genuine tour de force : balanced in-depth discussions of major theorists are alternated with insightful contextual information and comparisons, reminding us of the principal stakes of current social theorizing. Written with detachment and enthusiasm, this book is a perfect match for students of social theory as well as skeptics who doubt its relevance or comprehensibility.' Rudi Laermans, University of Leuven, Belgium 'This text takes the fear out of social theory. Wonderfully written, in a friendly but authoritative voice, it will send students scurrying to the primary texts with a deeper appreciation of the riches enshrined within classic, modern and contemporary theory. It is a rare, forward-thinking theory text that tackles conceptual territories normally obscured by intellectual posturing and opaque terminology. An essential guide, a welcome invitation, and a joy to read.' Nick Prior, University of Edinburgh

'An Invitation to Social Theory presents a lucid and comprehensive survey of modern and contemporary social theory. Engagingly written, the book demonstrates that the relationships pertaining between appearance and reality in social life are complex and interesting - and that this is the space in which social theorists ply their craft. The book makes a strong case for the illuminating power of theory to help us understand the social world.' Robin Wagner-Pacifici, New School for Social Research, New York 'A genuine tour de force: balanced in-depth discussions of major theorists are alternated with insightful contextual information and comparisons, reminding us of the principal stakes of current social theorizing. Written with detachment and enthusiasm, this book is a perfect match for students of social theory as well as skeptics who doubt its relevance or comprehensibility.' Rudi Laermans, University of Leuven, Belgium 'This text takes the fear out of social theory. Wonderfully written, in a friendly but authoritative voice, it will send students scurrying to the primary texts with a deeper appreciation of the riches enshrined within classic, modern and contemporary theory. It is a rare, forward-thinking theory text that tackles conceptual territories normally obscured by intellectual posturing and opaque terminology. An essential guide, a welcome invitation, and a joy to read.' Nick Prior, University of Edinburgh

'An Invitation to Social Theory presents a lucid and comprehensive survey of modern and contemporary social theory. Engagingly written, the book demonstrates that the relationships pertaining between appearance and reality in social life are complex and interesting - and that this is the space in which social theorists ply their craft. The book makes a strong case for the illuminating power of theory to help us understand the social world.' Robin Wagner-Pacifici, New School for Social Research, New York 'A genuine tour de force: balanced in-depth discussions of major theorists are alternated with insightful contextual information and comparisons, reminding us of the principal stakes of current social theorizing. Written with detachment and enthusiasm, this book is a perfect match for students of social theory as well as skeptics who doubt its relevance or comprehensibility.' Rudi Laermans, University of Leuven, Belgium 'This text takes the fear out of social theory. Wonderfully written, in a friendly but authoritative voice, it will send students scurrying to the primary texts with a deeper appreciation of the riches enshrined within classic, modern and contemporary theory. It is a rare, forward-thinking theory text that tackles conceptual territories normally obscured by intellectual posturing and opaque terminology. An essential guide, a welcome invitation, and a joy to read.' Nick Prior, University of Edinburgh

Author Information

David Inglis is professor of sociology at the University of Aberdeen Christopher Thorpe is lecturer in sociology at the Robert Gordon University

Tab Content 6

Countries Available