Traditions in Social Theory – serie

This book examines the intellectual contribution made by Frankfurt School Critical Theory to our understanding of modern life. Thematically organized and offering a strong mix of historical and contemporary material, it considers the work of both the first and second generation. While the work of the latter is often taken to exceed that of the former, the author suggests that insights gleaned by both, regarding the human subject, offer a significant alternative to post-modern ideas.

This book examines the intellectual contribution made by Frankfurt School Critical Theory to our understanding of modern life. Thematically organized and offering a strong mix of historical and contemporary material, it considers the work of both the first and second generation. While the work of the latter is often taken to exceed that of the former, the author suggests that insights gleaned by both, regarding the human subject, offer a significant alternative to post-modern ideas.

This important text argues for a 'strong' notion of structuration theory in contrast to the seminal but more abstract and relatively under-developed project represented by Anthony Giddens's writings. Emphasis on the duality of structure is placed at the centre of the tradition. It is argued that the distinctive power of structuration theory lies in its potential to critically investigate a specific range of in situ questions. Structuration Theory produces a synthesis that draws on Giddens's work, on other versions of the structuration problematic, and on key empirical uses of the approach. The final chapters make use of extended case examples to illustrate the critical power of strong structuration.

This important text argues for a 'strong' notion of structuration theory in contrast to the seminal but more abstract and relatively under-developed project represented by Anthony Giddens's writings. Emphasis on the duality of structure is placed at the centre of the tradition. It is argued that the distinctive power of structuration theory lies in its potential to critically investigate a specific range of in situ questions. Structuration Theory produces a synthesis that draws on Giddens's work, on other versions of the structuration problematic, and on key empirical uses of the approach. The final chapters make use of extended case examples to illustrate the critical power of strong structuration.

Micro social theory covers a rich tradition in sociological thinking and research that focuses on the self or actor and social interaction. This new title in the Traditions in Social Theory series traces the development of the tradition and assesses its contemporary importance.

Understanding Max Weber's contribution to social theory is vital for students and scholars of social science. This insightful text offers critical discussion of Weber's ideas, focusing on their uses - how they have been appropriated and applied to contemporary events. Written by one of the world's leading Weber scholars, this is an essential read.

Understanding Max Weber's contribution to social theory is vital for students and scholars of social science. This insightful text offers critical discussion of Weber's ideas, focusing on their uses - how they have been appropriated and applied to contemporary events. Written by one of the world's leading Weber scholars, this is an essential read.

While Georg Simmel is widely known, the impact of his work has been far from straightforward, with the ways in which his ideas have been taken up by later thinkers as complex and diverse as the ideas themselves. The Simmelian Legacy is a comprehensive study of the work of this influential sociologist and philosopher and its reception in the Anglophone, German, and French intellectual worlds.By returning to Simmel and his legacy, this text gives voice to a corpus of vast significance and great potential that has lived too much in the shadows. It examines how his relational mode of thought transforms the landscape of sociological problems to subvert conventional conceptions of Simmel’s oeuvre as well as of sociology’s history. It not only rediscovers key dimensions of Simmel’s thought, but also explores its gradual and uneven re-emergence within subsequent scholarship.This is an engaging and lucid, intellectually illuminating and thoroughly accessible overview of the thought of one of sociology’s key thinkers that will be essential reading for both scholars and students of sociology and social theory.

While Georg Simmel is widely known, the impact of his work has been far from straightforward, with the ways in which his ideas have been taken up by later thinkers as complex and diverse as the ideas themselves. The Simmelian Legacy is a comprehensive study of the work of this influential sociologist and philosopher and its reception in the Anglophone, German, and French intellectual worlds.By returning to Simmel and his legacy, this text gives voice to a corpus of vast significance and great potential that has lived too much in the shadows. It examines how his relational mode of thought transforms the landscape of sociological problems to subvert conventional conceptions of Simmel’s oeuvre as well as of sociology’s history. It not only rediscovers key dimensions of Simmel’s thought, but also explores its gradual and uneven re-emergence within subsequent scholarship.This is an engaging and lucid, intellectually illuminating and thoroughly accessible overview of the thought of one of sociology’s key thinkers that will be essential reading for both scholars and students of sociology and social theory.

Philosophers and social scientists share a common goal: to explore fundamental truths about ourselves and the nature of the world in which we live. But in what ways do these two distinct disciplines inform each other and arrive at these truths? This third revised edition of this highly regarded text directly responds to such issues as it introduces students to the philosophy of social science.This classic text has been brought up to date with a new introduction and commentaries reflecting on the original chapters in the context of more recent developments. Two brand new chapters discuss critical social science and one of the most pressing issues concerning social scientists today - how we interrogate human society's complex relationship with nature and its impact on biodiversity and climate change. The book:- Clearly introduces the theoretical underpinnings of social science, assuming no prior knowledge- Addresses critical issues relating to the nature of social science- Interrogates the relationship between social science and natural science- Encompasses traditional and contemporary perspectives- Introduces and critiques a wide range of approaches, from empiricism and positivism to post structuralism and rationalism.Written in an engaging and student-friendly style, the book introduces key ideas and concepts while raising questions and opening debates. A cornerstone text in the Traditions in Social Theory series, this book remains essential reading for all students of social theory and social science research.

Philosophers and social scientists share a common goal: to explore fundamental truths about ourselves and the nature of the world in which we live. But in what ways do these two distinct disciplines inform each other and arrive at these truths? This third revised edition of this highly regarded text directly responds to such issues as it introduces students to the philosophy of social science.This classic text has been brought up to date with a new introduction and commentaries reflecting on the original chapters in the context of more recent developments. Two brand new chapters discuss critical social science and one of the most pressing issues concerning social scientists today - how we interrogate human society's complex relationship with nature and its impact on biodiversity and climate change. The book:- Clearly introduces the theoretical underpinnings of social science, assuming no prior knowledge- Addresses critical issues relating to the nature of social science- Interrogates the relationship between social science and natural science- Encompasses traditional and contemporary perspectives- Introduces and critiques a wide range of approaches, from empiricism and positivism to post structuralism and rationalism.Written in an engaging and student-friendly style, the book introduces key ideas and concepts while raising questions and opening debates. A cornerstone text in the Traditions in Social Theory series, this book remains essential reading for all students of social theory and social science research.