Wiley-Blackwell Social Theory and Postcommunism

Product Description Social Theory and Postcommunism undertakes a thorough study of the implications of post-communism for sociological theory. Written by two leading social theorists, the book discusses the thesis that the fall of communism has decimated alternative conceptions of social organizations other than capitalism. Analyzes the implications of the fall of communism on social theoryDiscusses alternative ideas of social organizations other than capitalism, in the wake of the collapse of communismCovers state/civil society, globalization, the future of “modernity,” and post-socialism Review "[This] book is important. The theoretical challenges and chances for reinvigoration that postcommunism represents have undoubtedly been overlooked thus far. Outhwaite and Ray have provided a very suggestive redress." Australian Journal of Political Science"This book offers an insightful and refreshingly jargon-free examination of the major dilemmas faced by post-Communist polities in their search for constructing democratic communities ... Students of democracy, globalization, civil society, nationalism and political ideologies will find this book extremely useful." Seer"No doubt ... the book deserves the attention that it is likely to attract."American Journal of Sociology"This book offers an insightful and refreshingly jargon-free examination of the major dilemmas faced by post-Communist polities in their search for constructing democratic communities. Students of democracy, globalization, civil society, nationalism and political ideologies will find this book extremely useful."Slavonic and East European Review"[Each chapter] offers a survey of a significant body of literature... In their literature surveys, Outhwaite and Ray provide clear and engaging overviews. The chapters are written for readers well versed in both classical and contemporary sociology. Each is valuable on its own as an informed essay on a major theme in social theory... There is much to appreciate in what Outhwaite and Ray have to say in this book, including both their respect for the stubbornness of reality in contradicting our ideas and their moral concern for the economic and political injustice that persists in the face of that reality." Philosophy of the Social Sciences"A significant event in social theory's ongoing return to earth after its prolonged fit of factless abstractionalism, made all the more valuable by the authors' knowledge of, and respect for, the world's particularity. A genuinely thoughtful and thought provoking book."Anthony Woodiwiss, City University From the Inside Flap Social Theory and Postcommunismis a unique, well-written, and accessible text that analyzes the implications of the fall of communism on social theory. Written by two leading social theorists, the book discusses the thesis that the fall of communism has decimated alternative conceptions of social organizations other than capitalism. By undertaking a thorough study of the implications of post-Communism for sociological theory, it reviews almost every key issue which currently occupies social theory: state/civil society, globalization, the future of “modernity,” and postsocialism. Outhwaite and Ray cover such issues while still referencing older traditions, such as the modernization theory. With clarity, insight, and authority, this book presents a new understanding of social theory for the student or scholar. From the Back Cover Social Theory and Postcommunismis a unique, well-written, and accessible text that analyzes the implications of the fall of communism on social theory. Written by two leading social theorists, the book discusses the thesis that the fall of communism has decimated alternative conceptions of social organizations other than capitalism. By undertaking a thorough study of the implications of post-Communism for sociological theory, it reviews almost every key issue which currently occupies social theory: state/civil soc