Wiley-Blackwell Contested Knowledge: Social Theory Today

Contested Knowledge has established itself as a leading text that brings social theory into the present day by providing the most up to date perspectives on social theory by one of the most important thinkers of our time, Steven Seidman. Responds to current issues, debates, and new social movements. Reviews sociological theory from a truly contemporary perspective. Covers both classical and contemporary theories. Combines social analysis and moral advocacy, and demonstrates how social theory can contribute to the making of a better world. Challenges social scientists to renew their commitment to viewing social knowledge as playing an important moral and political role in public life. Revised new edition organizes contents more appealingly for students, and includes an insightful new chapter on social theory today and short biographies on major social thinkers. Review "There is no better social theory text for demonstrating to students the political relevance of both past and current social thinkers. Seidman compellingly argues for a more lively, publicly–engaged sociology. Contested Knowledge is required reading for any discussion of how social theory can help us make sense of our own times." –– Nancy L. Fischer, Macalester College "Seidman is one of the most original and profound voices in social theory today. A master of historical scholarship, he has produced here a revisionist theoretical story that will continue to be widely read and debated." ––Jeffrey Alexander, Yale University "The Third edition of Contested Knowledge is a strong, clear and progressive argument for the active and moral role of sociological theory in a globalized and multicultural age. It is an optimistic, rigorous and reflective text, and a highly accessible one." ––Joe Bailey, Kingston University From the Back Cover Contested Knowledge has established itself as a leading text that brings social theory into the present day by providing the most up–to–date perspectives on social theory by one of the most important thinkers of our time, Steven Seidman. The book tracks the work of the major figures in the field, from the classical sociologists Durkheim, Marx, Weber to contemporary theorists, including Giddens, Foucault, Bourdieu, and Judith Butler. Through exploring contemporary social theories and movements (including feminism, poststructuralism, African–American thought, and queer theory), the author presents a compelling new approach to the tradition of sociological theory and its established canon. Contested Knowledge combines social analysis and moral advocacy, showing how social theory can and does and sometimes doesn t work within the public and political sphere. This third edition has been reorganized to be even more accessible for the student. The book now includes sections on white studies, masculinity studies, critical heterosexuality studies, and a section on Empire. There is also a new chapter on social theory today, as well as invaluable section introductions, and 33 short biographies on major social theorists. About the Author Steven Seidman is Professor of Sociology at State University of New York at Albany. He is a world renowned social theorist working in the areas of social theory, culture, sexuality, comparative sociology, theory of democracy, nationalism and globalization. He is the author and editor of several books including Embattled Eros: Sexual Politics and Ethics in Contemporary America (1992), The Postmodern Turn : New Perspectives on Social Theory (editor, 1995), Queer Theory/Sociology (Blackwell, 1996), The New Social Theory Reader: Contemporary Debates (edited with Jeffrey C. Alexander, 2001), and Beyond the Closet: The Transformation of Gay and Lesbian Life (2002).