Social Theory

• Author: Paul Ransome

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2022

• ISBN: 9788131604243

• Pages: 374

• Cover: Paperback

• Package Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches

About the Book

"Social Theory" is a comprehensive introductory textbook that provides first-year undergraduates with a clear understanding of the key ideas and concepts in social theory. Designed specifically for students in sociology and related social sciences and humanities disciplines, this book explores both classical and contemporary theories, offering a thorough account of the intellectual backgrounds that shaped them.

The book covers a wide range of social theorists, from Émile Durkheim and Karl Marx to Max Weber, Talcott Parsons, and the major theorists of modernity and postmodernity. It examines their ideas in the context of industrial society, capitalism, social action, and modern-day issues like feminism and global cultural theory. The book is structured to ensure students can easily navigate the material and understand complex concepts with the help of examples from everyday life, highlighted key terms, margin explanations, and resources for further reading.

Additionally, the interactive website associated with the book provides online resources to deepen the student's learning experience.

Key Topics Covered:

• Classical Theories: Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Parsons

• Social Interactionism and Real Life Social Actors

• Post-Structuralism, Feminism, and Discourse Theory

• Theories of Modernity and Postmodernity: Habermas, Giddens, Bourdieu

• Reflexive Modernisation and Global Cultural Theory

• The Boundary Problem in Contemporary Social Theory

About the Author
Paul Ransome is a lecturer in sociology, social theory, and social research at Swansea University, UK. He has a professional interest in higher education pedagogy and conducts research into work-life balance.