Wiley Blackwell Companions to Sociology – serie

The Companion to Major Social Theorists offers a broad-ranging survey of classical and contemporary social theory. In original essays especially commissioned for this volume, leading experts and practitioners examine the life and work of 25 major theorists, discussing the social and intellectual context of their writings and offering an analysis of the impact of their work over time. Includes 25 original essays on major classical and contemporary social theoristsContributions are especially commissioned for this volume, and are by leading experts and practitioners in the fieldCovers the key figures who shaped classical social theory, such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim, as well as figures such as Martineau, DuBois, and SimmelDedicates coverage is given to contemporary social theorists, including Goffman, Elias, Foucault, Giddens, Bourdieu and ButlerEssays include biographical sketches, the social and intellectual context, and the impact of the theorist's work on social theoryIncludes bibliographies of the theorist's most important works as well as key secondary worksEdited by a leading figure in social theory, this volume provides an outstanding one-volume reference source in social theory.

The Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology brings together thirty-eight original essays covering the wide inter-disciplinary field of political sociology. Represents the most comprehensive overview available in the field of political sociologyCovers traditional questions as well as emerging topics including recent debates on gender, citizenship, and political identityIncludes detailed editorial introduction, abstracts, further reading lists, and a consolidated bibliography.

The Blackwell Companion to Sociology is a milestone collection of new essays by renowned sociologists, covering both the traditions and strengths of the field as well as newer developments and directions. Authors from the US, the UK, Europe and elsewhere have contributed to this all-in-one reference work, highlighting the relevance of interdisciplinary and international perspectives, while at the same time representing the scope and quality of sociology in its current form.

The Blackwell Companion to Social Theory (Second Edition) builds on the success of the first edition by adding four completely new chapters. Retained material from the first edition has been revised, extended, and updated and coverage of feminism expanded into two chapters. The book provides insights to the traditions of classical social thought as well as the major debates and developments in contemporary social theory with 18 original essays by the world's leading social theorists.

The Blackwell Companion to Criminology provides a contemporary and global resource to scholarship in both classical and topical areas of criminology. Written accessibly, and with its international perspective and first-rate scholarship, this is truly the first global handbook of criminology. Editors and contributors are international experts in criminology, offering a comparative perspective on theories and systems Contains full discussion of key debates and theories, the implications of new topics, studies and ideas, and contemporary developments Coverage includes: class, gender, and race, criminal justice, juvenile delinquency, punishment, mass media, international crimes, and social control

Tackling issues relevant to family life today, this authoritative Companion shows why studying social change in families is fundamental for understanding the transformations in individual and social life, across the globe. Contains original essays by expert contributors on a wide range of topics relating to the sociology of families.Includes coverage of social inequality, parenting practices, children’s work, the changing patterns of citizenship, and multi-cultural families.Gives special attention to European and North American examples.Discusses previously neglected groups, including immigrant families and gays and lesbians.Explores how revolutionary changes in aging, longevity, and sexual behavior have radically affected the experience of different generations, and the relationships between them.

The Blackwell Companion to Law and Society is an authoritative study of the relationship between law and social interaction. Thirty-two original essays by an international group of expert scholars examine a wide range of critical questions. Authors represent various theoretical, methodological, and political commitments, creating the first truly global overview of the field. Examines the relationship between law and social interactions in thirty-three original essay by international experts in the field. Reflects the world-wide significance of North American law and society scholarship. Addresses classical areas and new themes in law and society research, including: the gap between law on the books and law in action; the complexity of institutional processes; the significance of new media; and the intersections of law and identity. Engages the exciting work now being done in England, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, South Africa, Israel, as well as "Third World" scholarship.

The Blackwell Companion to Social Inequalities is a first-rate collection of social science scholarship on inequalities, emphasizing race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, age, and nationality. Highlights themes that represent the scope and range of theoretical orientations, contemporary emphases, and emerging topics in the field of social inequalities.Gives special attention to debates in the field, developing trends and directions, and interdisciplinary influences in the study of social inequalities.Includes an editorial introduction and suggestions for further reading.

This collection of original, state-of-the-art essays by prominent international scholars covers the most important issues comprising the sociology of culture. Provides an invaluable reference resource to all interested in the cultural structures and processes that animate contemporary life Contains 27 essays on the most important issues comprising the sociology of culture, including art, science, religions, race, class, gender, collective memory, institutions, and citizenship Reflects and analyzes the “cultural turn” that has transformed scholarship in the social sciences and humanities.

The most up-to-date and thorough compendium of scholarship on social movementsThis second edition of The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Social Movements features forty original essays from the field. With contributions from both established and ascendant scholars, the Companion seeks to present current research on social movements in all its diversity. It is the most up-to-date, comprehensive volume of social science research on social movements available today.The essays address: facilitative and constraining contexts and conditions; social movement organizations, fields, and dynamics; strategies and tactics; micro-structural and social psychological dimensions of participation; consequences and outcomes; and various thematic intersections, including the intersection of social movements and social class, gender, race and ethnicity, religion, human rights, globalization, political extremism and more. Offers an illuminating guide to understanding the dynamics and operation of social movements within the modern, global worldCovers a diverse range of topics in the field of social movement studiesOffers original, state-of-the-art essays by internationally recognized scholarsThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Social Movements is recommended for graduate seminars on social movement and for scholars of social movements worldwide. It is also an excellent text for college and university libraries, especially with graduate programs in the social sciences.

The most up-to-date and thorough compendium of scholarship on social movementsThis second edition of The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Social Movements features forty original essays from the field. With contributions from both established and ascendant scholars, the Companion seeks to present current research on social movements in all its diversity. It is the most up-to-date, comprehensive volume of social science research on social movements available today.The essays address: facilitative and constraining contexts and conditions; social movement organizations, fields, and dynamics; strategies and tactics; micro-structural and social psychological dimensions of participation; consequences and outcomes; and various thematic intersections, including the intersection of social movements and social class, gender, race and ethnicity, religion, human rights, globalization, political extremism and more. Offers an illuminating guide to understanding the dynamics and operation of social movements within the modern, global worldCovers a diverse range of topics in the field of social movement studiesOffers original, state-of-the-art essays by internationally recognized scholarsThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Social Movements is recommended for graduate seminars on social movement and for scholars of social movements worldwide. It is also an excellent text for college and university libraries, especially with graduate programs in the social sciences.

Featuring a collection of original chapters by leading and emerging scholars, The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Sociology presents a comprehensive and balanced overview of the major topics and emerging trends in the discipline of sociology today. Features original chapters contributed by an international cast of leading and emerging sociology scholarsRepresents the most innovative and 'state-of-the-art' thinking about the disciplineIncludes a general introduction and section introductions with chapters summaries by the editor

The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology is a complete reference guide, reflecting the scope and quality of the discipline, and highlighting emerging topics in the field.  Global in focus, offering up-to-date topics from an interdisciplinary, international set of scholars addressing key issues concerning globalization, social movements, and citizenshipThe majority of chapters are new, including those on environmental politics, international terrorism, security, corruption, and human rightsRevises and updates all previously published chapters to include new themes and topics in political sociologyProvides an overview of scholarship in the field, with chapters working independently and collectively to examine the full range of contributions to political sociologyOffers a challenging yet accessible and complete reference guide for students and scholars

THE NEW BLACKWELL COMPANION TO THE Sociology of Religion “…I enjoyed reading this book for its in-depth examination of the complexities of the social forces that are shaping and are being shaped by religious groups around the world. I certainly see this being of theoretical value for researchers engaging the new religious realities of our world.”Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review “… The new companion is a timely and valuable work, validly updating the original companion and a good addition to the reference shelves of any academic or specialist library.”Reference Reviews Reflecting recent developments in the field, this companion provides a comprehensive introduction to the sociology of religion with a clear emphasis on comparative and historical approaches. Covering all the areas relevant to undergraduate courses in this area, the Companion begins by laying down the anthropological and sociological foundations of the study of religion and their contemporary developments. It continues with an analysis of both traditional and contemporary forms of organization, such as church–sect typologies as well as “megachurches” and modern forms of spirituality. The secularization and post-secular society debates are considered in depth along with the globalization process, fundamentalism, charismatic movements, and revivalism. It also discusses the sociology of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and religions of China, as well as the areas of American exceptionalism from de Tocqueville onwards, religious nationalism, women and piety movements, and the spirituality of Native American communities. Considering new developments in social theory and religion, the collection concludes with a discussion of recent work that attempts to understand the future of religion, blending the sociology of modern societies, anthropological ethnography, and philosophical inquiry.

This collection of original, state-of-the-art essays by prominent international scholars covers the most important issues comprising the sociology of culture. Provides an invaluable reference resource to all interested in the cultural structures and processes that animate contemporary life Contains 27 essays on the most important issues comprising the sociology of culture, including art, science, religions, race, class, gender, collective memory, institutions, and citizenship Reflects and analyzes the “cultural turn” that has transformed scholarship in the social sciences and humanities.

A comprehensive new collection covering the principal traditions and critical contemporary issues of social theory. Builds on the success of The Blackwell Companion to Social Theory, second edition with substantial revisions, entirely new contributions, and a fresh editorial directionExplores contemporary areas such as actor network theory, social constructionism, human rights and cosmopolitanismIncludes chapters on demography, science and technology studies, and genetics and social theoryEmphasizes key areas of sociology which have had an important impact in shaping the discipline as a whole

Written by an international team of experts, this comprehensive volume investigates modern-day family relationships, partnering, and parenting set against a backdrop of rapid social, economic, cultural, and technological change. Covers a broad range of topics, including social inequality, parenting practices, children’s work, changing patterns of citizenship, multi-cultural families, and changes in welfare state protection for familiesIncludes many European, North American and Asian examples written by a team of experts from across five continentsFeatures coverage of previously neglected groups, including immigrant and transnational families as well as families of gays and lesbiansDemonstrates how studying social change in families is fundamental for understanding the transformations in individual and social life across the globeExtensively reworked from the original Companion published over a decade ago: three-quarters of the material is completely new, and the remainder has been comprehensively updated

The new, updated edition of the authoritative and comprehensive survey of modern sociologyThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Sociology, Second Edition is an authoritative survey of the major topics, current and emerging trends, and contemporary issues in the study of human social relationships and institutions. A collection of contributions from globally-recognized scholars and experts explore the theoretical and methodological foundations of sociology, new and established debates, and the most current research in the field. Broad in scope, this book covers a multitude of topics ranging from crime, urbanization, sexuality, and education to new questions surrounding big data, authoritarian capitalism, and the rise of nationalism.Since the first edition of the Companion was published, new developments have emerged and new problems have been created such as the omnipresence of social media, political and institutional upheaval, and the global refugee and immigration crises. This revised and updated second edition describes and explains social changes that have occurred in the past several years, both within the field of sociology and society as a whole. Previous material has been updated to reflect current research, while eleven new chapters address topics including feminist theory, debt and social change, and armed conflict and war. This comprehensive volume: Offers an engaging and accessible guide to the field of sociology, revised and updated for the second editionPresents wide-ranging, comprehensive coverage of the disciplineExplores issues of contemporary relevance such as digital media and consumptionReflects state-of-the-art scholarship and contemporary debatesNew chapters for the second edition cover essential topics including feminist theory, armed conflict, big data, authoritarian capitalism, debt and social change, and the rise of nationalismThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Sociology, Second Edition is an invaluable resource for academics and graduate students, researchers, scholars, and educators in the discipline of sociology and allied fields such as anthropology, human geography, political science, and psychology.

The new, updated edition of the authoritative and comprehensive survey of modern sociologyThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Sociology, Second Edition is an authoritative survey of the major topics, current and emerging trends, and contemporary issues in the study of human social relationships and institutions. A collection of contributions from globally-recognized scholars and experts explore the theoretical and methodological foundations of sociology, new and established debates, and the most current research in the field. Broad in scope, this book covers a multitude of topics ranging from crime, urbanization, sexuality, and education to new questions surrounding big data, authoritarian capitalism, and the rise of nationalism.Since the first edition of the Companion was published, new developments have emerged and new problems have been created such as the omnipresence of social media, political and institutional upheaval, and the global refugee and immigration crises. This revised and updated second edition describes and explains social changes that have occurred in the past several years, both within the field of sociology and society as a whole. Previous material has been updated to reflect current research, while eleven new chapters address topics including feminist theory, debt and social change, and armed conflict and war. This comprehensive volume: Offers an engaging and accessible guide to the field of sociology, revised and updated for the second editionPresents wide-ranging, comprehensive coverage of the disciplineExplores issues of contemporary relevance such as digital media and consumptionReflects state-of-the-art scholarship and contemporary debatesNew chapters for the second edition cover essential topics including feminist theory, armed conflict, big data, authoritarian capitalism, debt and social change, and the rise of nationalismThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Sociology, Second Edition is an invaluable resource for academics and graduate students, researchers, scholars, and educators in the discipline of sociology and allied fields such as anthropology, human geography, political science, and psychology.

THE WILEY BLACKWELL COMPANION TO Medical Sociology The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Medical Sociology is an authoritative overview of the most recent research, major theoretical approaches, and central issues and debates within the field. Bringing together contributions from an international team of leading scholars, this wide-ranging volume summarizes significant new developments and discusses a broad range of globally-relevant topics. The Companion’s twenty-eight chapters contain timely, theoretically-informed coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and emerging diseases, bioethics, healthcare delivery systems, health disparities associated with migration, social class, gender, and race. It also explores mental health, the family, religion, and many other real-world health concerns. The most up-to-date and comprehensive single-volume reference on the key concepts and contemporary issues in medical sociology, this book: Presents thematically-organized essays by authors who are recognized experts in their fieldsFeatures new chapters reflecting state-of-the-art research and contemporary issues relevant to global health Covers vital topics such as current bioethical debates and the global effort to cope with the coronavirus pandemicDiscusses the important relationship between culture and health in a global contextProvide fresh perspectives on the sociology of the body, biomedicalization, health lifestyle theory, doctor-patient relations, and social capital and healthThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Medical Sociology is essential reading for advanced under­graduate and graduate students in medical sociology, health studies, and health care, as well as for academics, researchers, and practitioners wanting to keep pace with new developments in the field.

THE WILEY BLACKWELL COMPANION TO Medical Sociology The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Medical Sociology is an authoritative overview of the most recent research, major theoretical approaches, and central issues and debates within the field. Bringing together contributions from an international team of leading scholars, this wide-ranging volume summarizes significant new developments and discusses a broad range of globally-relevant topics. The Companion’s twenty-eight chapters contain timely, theoretically-informed coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and emerging diseases, bioethics, healthcare delivery systems, health disparities associated with migration, social class, gender, and race. It also explores mental health, the family, religion, and many other real-world health concerns. The most up-to-date and comprehensive single-volume reference on the key concepts and contemporary issues in medical sociology, this book: Presents thematically-organized essays by authors who are recognized experts in their fieldsFeatures new chapters reflecting state-of-the-art research and contemporary issues relevant to global health Covers vital topics such as current bioethical debates and the global effort to cope with the coronavirus pandemicDiscusses the important relationship between culture and health in a global contextProvide fresh perspectives on the sociology of the body, biomedicalization, health lifestyle theory, doctor-patient relations, and social capital and healthThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Medical Sociology is essential reading for advanced under­graduate and graduate students in medical sociology, health studies, and health care, as well as for academics, researchers, and practitioners wanting to keep pace with new developments in the field.

The Blackwell Companion to Major Classical Social Theorists provides a comprehensive review of classical social theory. Containing original essays especially commissioned for this volume, leading experts and practitioners examine the life and work of 12 major theorists. Includes 12 original essays by leading scholars on major classical social theoristsCovers the key figures who shaped social theory, such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim, as well as additional classical theorists such as Harriet Martineau and W. E. B. Du BoisEssays include biographical sketches, the social and intellectual context, and the impact of the thinker's work on social theory generallyIncludes bibliographies of the theorist's most important works as well as key secondary worksCan be used in conjunction with The Blackwell Companion to Major Contemporary Social Theorists, edited by George Ritzer, for a complete reference source in social theory

The Blackwell Companion to Major Contemporary Social Theorists is a survey of contemporary social theory that focuses on the thinkers themselves. In original essays especially commissioned for this volume, leading experts and practitioners examine the life and work of 13 major theorists such as Elias, Baudrillard, Giddens, and Butler. Includes 13 original essays by leading scholars on major contemporary social theorists. Covers key figures such as Elias, Goffman, Foucault, Habermas, Giddens, Bourdieu, and Butler. Essays include biographical sketches, the social and intellectual context, and the impact of the thinker's work on social theory generally. Includes bibliographies of the theorist's most important works as well as key secondary works. Can be used in conjunction with The Blackwell Companion to Major Classical Social Theorists, edited by George Ritzer, for a complete reference source in social theory.

The Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology brings together thirty-eight original essays covering the wide inter-disciplinary field of political sociology. Represents the most comprehensive overview available in the field of political sociologyCovers traditional questions as well as emerging topics including recent debates on gender, citizenship, and political identityIncludes detailed editorial introduction, abstracts, further reading lists, and a consolidated bibliography.

A comprehensive new collection covering the principal traditions and critical contemporary issues of social theory. Builds on the success of The Blackwell Companion to Social Theory, second edition with substantial revisions, entirely new contributions, and a fresh editorial directionExplores contemporary areas such as actor network theory, social constructionism, human rights and cosmopolitanismIncludes chapters on demography, science and technology studies, and genetics and social theoryEmphasizes key areas of sociology which have had an important impact in shaping the discipline as a whole

The Blackwell Companion to Criminology provides a contemporary and global resource to scholarship in both classical and topical areas of criminology. Written accessibly, and with its international perspective and first-rate scholarship, this is truly the first global handbook of criminology. Editors and contributors are international experts in criminology, offering a comparative perspective on theories and systems Contains full discussion of key debates and theories, the implications of new topics, studies and ideas, and contemporary developments Coverage includes: class, gender, and race, criminal justice, juvenile delinquency, punishment, mass media, international crimes, and social control

Tackling issues relevant to family life today, this authoritative Companion shows why studying social change in families is fundamental for understanding the transformations in individual and social life, across the globe. Contains original essays by expert contributors on a wide range of topics relating to the sociology of families.Includes coverage of social inequality, parenting practices, children’s work, the changing patterns of citizenship, and multi-cultural families.Gives special attention to European and North American examples.Discusses previously neglected groups, including immigrant families and gays and lesbians.Explores how revolutionary changes in aging, longevity, and sexual behavior have radically affected the experience of different generations, and the relationships between them.