Wiley-Blackwell Classical and Modern Social Theory

Classical and Modern Social Theory is comprehensive introduction to the field, covering a wide historical range of thinkers, from the classical to the postmodernist, as well as key themes in social theory and a guide to the major debates. Designed for students with little or no background in social theory, this single volume covering both classic and contemporary theory introduces the basic concepts at the center of social theory in accessible language and provides readers with a useful reference source to the field. Review "This lucidly-written book provides within a single volume a comprehensive introduction to the corpus of sociological theory. It encompasses both classical and contemporary approaches, which are presented as relevant to understanding the present state of sociological theory. This will become an essential text for students." Larry Ray, University of Kent <!--end-->"This volume is a comprehensive guide to theory debates today. It is composed of 30 original chapters offering succinct, accessible overviews of the key ideas of modern theory - from Marx, American pragmatism to current debates over national identity, postmodernism, and civil society, I can think of no better introduction to classical and contemporary theory." Steven Seidman, author of Contested Knowledge: Social Theory in a Postmodern Era "An interesting, thorough, and useful anthology of informed commentary that will enliven the study of social theory for novice as well as expert. Particularly innovative is the use of European scholars whose analyses of theory is too seldom taken into account within the anglophone world. Their interpretations will, I am sure, add a fruitful dimension to an otherwise foreshortened understanding of the canon." Alan Sica, Pennsylvania State University "This volume aspires to be a comprehensive and sophisticated introduction to classical and modern social theory...providing a range and depth of analysis." Raymond A. Morrow, University of Alberta From the Inside Flap Designed for students with little or no background in the subject, this book covers classical social theory, modern social theory, and contemporary challenges to both periods. Each chapter is written by a specialist in the field, giving a clear exposition of the main concepts placed in both historical and philosophical context. Chapters contain biographical data, end of chapter lists of key concepts and a comprehensive bibliography listing the primary and secondary literature relevant to the material. From the Back Cover Designed for students with little or no background in the subject, this book covers classical social theory, modern social theory, and contemporary challenges to both periods. Each chapter is written by a specialist in the field, giving a clear exposition of the main concepts placed in both historical and philosophical context. Chapters contain biographical data, end of chapter lists of key concepts and a comprehensive bibliography listing the primary and secondary literature relevant to the material. About the Author Heine Andersen is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Copenhagen. He was formerly Associate Professor at the Copenhagen Business School and Visiting Scholar at the European University Institute in Florence. Lars Bo Kaspersen is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Copenhagen He has been a Visiting Scholar at the University of Southampton and a Fulbright Scholar at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the author of Anthony Giddens: An Introduction to a Social Theorist (Blackwell, 2000).