New Directions In Social Theory

'Who makes up the 'canon' of sociology - and who doesn't? Does sociology need a canon in the first place? Offers an innovative and passionate contribution to debates on the history and development of sociology and the exclusion of theorists - who are female, black, or both - from the mainstream of social theorizing.With compelling biographical sketches bringing the dynamics behind the 'canon' to life, Kate Reed focuses sharp analysis on the exclusion of theorists on race and gender from important debates on inequality.

Phenomenological sociology and ethnomethodolgy are two new and significant developments in modern sociological theory. Traditional sociology takes for granted that the social world has an objective existence; it does not query the commonsense assumptions that are grounded in experience. Ethnomethodological studies, on the other hand, seek to treat practical activities, practical circumstances, and practical sociological reasoning as topics of empirical study. By paying to the most commonplace activities of daily life the attention usually accorded extraordinary events, it seeks to learn about them as phenomena in their own right.New Directions in Sociological Theory is the result of a course of lectures given by the authors at Goldsmiths' College, University of London. Part I is an analysis of traditional sociology, including such topics as "Sociology and the Social World," "Varieties of Positivism," "Functionalism and Systems Theory," and "Theory, Methodology, and Conceptualization," Part II discusses phenomenological alternatives, including "Phenomenological Philosophy and Sociology," "Some Neglected Questions about Social Reality," "Methodology and Meaning," and "On Harold Garfinkel's Ethnomethodology," a study of one of the most important ethnomethodologists of today.

This book introduces some of the most influential recent sociological theories, each covered in an essay written by the theory's founder or by a leading exponent. Presented in nontechnical language, each essay reviews the key positions and supporting research; many incorporate discussion of critical or opposing positions. This unique book serves as an invaluable advanced introduction or review for graduate or upper-level students who want to gain an understanding of important theoretical advances. Visit our website for sample chapters!

Influenced by Thomas Kuhn's work on paradigm shifts in the social sciences, this overview of contemporary theory identifies major themes, charts the impact of social change on theories, acquaints readers with a sample of individual theorists (the "transitional giants" who shaped contemporary theories), explores the impact of contemporary theories on various areas of sociology, and traces how the great social theories of the past are being reinterpreted and incorporated into new theories. The result is an original interpretation of the important role that theory plays both in the real world and in the shaping of an academic discipline.

Originally published in 2003, Critical Visions develops a wide-ranging analysis of key issues and debates in contemporary social theory. Drawing social theory, cultural studies, and psychoanalysis together in a bold configuration, the book challenges the widespread view that social theory seems to have lost its way as a result of the diversification of conceptual approaches. The book includes critical readings of the terrain of contemporary social theory and theorists. Questions relating to the globalization of risk, citizenship, morality and ethics, politics and norms, and sexuality and desire are all explored.

This book is intended for undergraduate courses in social theory for second and third year sociology students, as well as postgraduate and academic researchers. Secondary markets include social psychology, social geography, social anthopology, cultural studies.

"This book contributes to the growing debates about social theory and its role through a discussion of the ways in which gender and race contributed to the exclusion of important thinkers from the sociological canon." - John Hughes, Lancaster University Who makes up the ′canon′ of sociology - and who doesn′t? Does sociology need a canon in the first place? Beyond Social Theory offers an innovative and passionate contribution to debates on the history and development of sociology and the exclusion of theorists - who are female, black, or both - from the mainstream of social theorizing. With compelling biographical sketches bringing the dynamics behind the ′canon′ to life, Kate Reed focuses sharp analysis on the exclusion of theorists on race and gender from important debates on inequality. An important contribution to the debate on non-exclusionary theory, this book critically examines existing accounts of the history of the discipline, situating the development of social theory within a wider social and political context.