Covering a wide area of political sociology and social and political theory, this Reader offers a selection of extracts incorporating both primary and secondary readings. As well as a general introduction to the concept of social theory, each section is prefaced by an introduction to the relevant theorist(s) and each reading is accompanied by a short explanatory introduction.
Including a broad range of texts, the book offers a general introduction to the main writings of political sociology and social theory. While other texts tend to focus either on either traditional or contemporary figures, this Reader is unique in tracing a connecting strand from the work of Marx, Weber and Durkheim to more contemporary social theorists. And by focusing on the theories of social conflict, cohesion and consent it also acts as a guide to issues in sociological, political and cultural analysis.
Includes sections on:
* Marx and Engels
* Gramsci
* Durkheim and Parsons
* Weber
* The Frankfurt School (Adorno and Horkheimer; Marcuse; Habermas)
* Foucault
Introduces core social concepts and key features of modern society:
* Structure and Agency* Ideology
* Discourse and Legitimation
* The State
* Economy
* Civil Society
Key Features
* Covers the main social thinkers and the most important concepts
* Focuses on how writers contribute to our understanding of social conflict, cohesion and consent
* Substantial introductions to each part place the readings in context
Industry Reviews
Most useful for undergraduate students in political science, sociology and media studies and would even fit perfectly for courses in cultural studies since it explains many notions related to power and hegemony! All contributions are fundamental and timely. The book accurately reflects current concerns and issues in the teaching of this subject area but also, more importantly, helps to establish links between classical sociology and contemporary social theory! The book is very timely. -- Dr John Roberts, University of Leeds It is important for students not only to read about theorists but to read the theorists themselves -- for students to see for themselves how what a text says about a theorist is actually exemplified in the theorist's own writing. It is also a pedagogically helpful feature of Joseph's Reader that it includes some contemporary commentary on each of the major theorists covered. -- Professor Douglas V. Porpora, Drexel University, Philadelphia Most useful for undergraduate students in political science, sociology and media studies and would even fit perfectly for courses in cultural studies since it explains many notions related to power and hegemony! All contributions are fundamental and timely. The book accurately reflects current concerns and issues in the teaching of this subject area but also, more importantly, helps to establish links between classical sociology and contemporary social theory! The book is very timely. It is important for students not only to read about theorists but to read the theorists themselves -- for students to see for themselves how what a text says about a theorist is actually exemplified in the theorist's own writing. It is also a pedagogically helpful feature of Joseph's Reader that it includes some contemporary commentary on each of the major theorists covered.
