Introducing Social Theory

This revised edition of this extremely popular introduction to social theory has been carefully and thoroughly updated with the latest developments in this continually changing field. Written in a refreshingly lucid and engaging style, Introducing Social Theory provides readers with a wide-ranging, well organized and thematic introduction to all the major thinkers, issues and debates in classical and contemporary social theory. Introducing Social Theory traces the development of social theorizing from the classical ideas about modernity of Durkheim, Marx and Weber, right up to a uniquely accessible review of the contemporary theoretical controversies in sociology that surround post-colonialism, gender and feminist theories, and public sociology. The ideal textbook for students of sociology at all levels, from A-level to undergraduates, Introducing Social Theory is remarkably easy to follow and understand. This new edition lives up to its predecessors' goal that students need never be intimidated by social theory again.

1. An Introduction to Sociological Theories 2. Marx and Marxism 3. Max Weber 4. Emile Durkheim 5. Interpretive Sociology: Action Theories 6. Language, Discourse and Power in Modernity: Jürgen Habermas and Michel Foucault 7. Social Structures and Social Action 8. Feminist and Gender Theories 9. Sociology and Its Publics