Jump to >>
The new edition of this popular text offers an accessible introduction to 23 of the key theorists of Sociology. Four new chapters consider the work of Theodor Adorno, Michael Mann, Dorothy Smith and Zygmunt Bauman, alongside updated material throughout other chapters.
The first edition of this ambitious and innovative text established itself firmly in the sociology market as a fresh and distinctive introduction to its subject. It quickly gained a reputation as a 'course-maker' on grounds of its appeal to students from a wide range of backgrounds, its thoughtfully developed design, and its rich case material.
This second edition aims to build on this success while retaining the book's innovative focus and approach and its critical edge. Updated throughout in the light of the most recent debates about globalisation, it also includes three wholly new chapters on lifestyle and leisure; global religions; and health.
Being Sociological is a concise introduction to Sociology, aimed at students approaching the subject for the first time. The book covers all the key areas required of first year students, organised in a rather novel way around 20 processes or ways of existing and acting in the world. Offering a balance of contemporary and classical theory, in addition to extensive use of case studies, definitions of key words and concepts, and suggestions for further reading, this is the ideal starting point for Sociology undergraduates. It innovative and engaging approach, wealth of international material and accessible style will make this text a much-loved companion.
'A comprehensive introduction to sociology.' - J. Montgomery, University of Wales, Bangor
'Well written and structured...very accessible and yet it maintains its academic standard.' - George Smith, University of Central England
Introductory Sociology is one of the most ambitious, scholarly and popular textbooks in its field. This welcome new edition builds on the strengths of its predecessor in its thematic coherence, clarity of exposition and analytical depth. It is carefully structured to cover all the main substantive topics studied at an introductory level within a framework that engages with exciting contemporary debates about modernity, globalisation and social identity.
Written in a refreshingly accessible style, this fully updated 2nd edition offers the perfect introduction to social anthropology for anyone approaching the subject for the first time. It retains the logical structure of the 1st edition, and adds two new chapters on key issues, new end-of-chapter questions and exciting first-hand accounts.
Everyday life is something we tend to take for granted, but is perhaps the most important dimension of society - it's where we live most parts of our lives with each other. This book provides a clear, contemporary and comprehensive overview of the sociologies of everyday life - making complex concepts and core issues accessible, relevant and engaging for all students of the subject.
This second edition of a seminal work includes the original text, first published 30 years ago, alongside two major new chapters. Power, Freedom and Reason assesses the main debates about how to conceptualize and study power, including the influential contributions of Michel Foucault. Power Revisited reconsiders Steven Lukes' own views in light of these debates and of criticisms of his original argument. With a new introduction and bibliographical essay, this book will consolidate its reputation as a classic work and a major reference point within social and political theory.
'Laudably clear and concise...a first rate collaboration with a seamless quality.' - Choice 'Informative, comprehensive and accessible to a wide audience: this is how Benton and Craib's introduction to the philosophy of social science compares with current manuals in the field.' - British Journal of Sociology
SPSS is the most popular data analysis computer package in the social sciences, but can be baffling to newcomers. This student-friendly text offers a step-by-step introduction to key statistical procedures and analysis. Using an international dataset (also available to download online), the book explores the latest version of SPSS for all social researchers.
Each chapter in this book takes a cutting-edge empirical study and uses it to explore and explain key theoretical and methodological concepts. The text gives students invaluable insight into the constraints, issues and possibilities of doing real social research. This is essential reading for all students of social science. Find out more about this title
Doing a Successful Research Project offers an accessible, even-handed introduction to carrying out research methods for undergraduate and postgraduate students conducting a research project for the first time. The research process - from planning, through design and implementation, to completion - is described simply and succinctly, with the emphasis throughout on good preparation. Students are guided carefully through the process, whilst assessing the different strategies available.
Developing Research Questions steers readers through the complex process of starting a research project. The book explains how to break down initial ideas from broad topics into appropriate research questions, and gives detailed guidance on how to refine questions as the research project develops. Each chapter is packed with handy hints, tips and examples that show how to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls in the research process. An indispensable resource for social scientists carrying out research projects at all levels.
'Essential inclusion of emancipatory and participatory research. This is the research methodology of the 21st century.' - Annette Rimmer, School of Community, Health Sciences and Social Care, University of Salford, UK
'An easily digestible book providing a clear introduction for undergraduates. I especially like the explanations given for the example data analyses. Students and teachers will find the activities useful. I will be recommending this text for purchase.' - Kevin Power, School of Nursing and Midwifery, De Montford University, UK
Analyzing language can be tricky but it provides a useful insight within social research. This book shows how to apply methods to written and spoken words, across a range of social sciences. Solving practical problems in research design and application, this is a key resource for all social scientists.
'...a well-researched text about how gender is impacted in our new global, postindustrial society.' - Kerri Kanelos, Feminist Review
This text offers a wide-ranging account of the dynamic relationship between gender, culture and society. Incorporating feminist theory, theories of men and masculinity, and post-structuralism, the authors provide a balanced study of the diverse, complex and fluid nature of gender at a time of rapid social change. Recent global events are integrated throughout the text, ensuring a highly topical and relevant discussion. This is a comprehensive, thought-provoking book, and compelling reading for all students of gender and society.
Sociology of Childhood and Youth
Young people in Eastern Europe are more advanced in some global trends than in the west. This original approach to youth studies explores life transitions, covering all aspects of young people's lives from education and work to family and leisure. Written by a popular author, this engaging book is key reading for all students of youth studies.
This revised and updated edition brings a widely-recognized text up to date to provide an accessible and informed discussion of current debates on prisons and penal policy. Taking a global view, Doing Time is an invaluable critical sociological analysis of imprisonment.
This wide-ranging textbook is the ideal starting-point for anyone studying criminology or criminal justice. Assuming no prior knowledge, it provides a clear and user-friendly introduction to the key definitions and issues of crime. Exploring crime data, the criminal justice system and theories of crime, the text aims to broaden students' understanding by focusing on the relationship between theory, methods, policy and practice and setting the British picture in comparative context. It is supported by an excellent pedagogical infrastructure, which ensures that a clear thematic and conceptual framework connects the different parts of the book.
Health and Health Technologies
Examines a range of current innovative health technologies, exploring how far they change the boundaries between the body, health, technology relationship, and assessing the contribution a critical social science can make towards our understanding of this shift.
Cosmopolitanisms explores how social groups find ways of living productively with each other. This book analyzes theoretical approaches and research to give a new understanding of the cultural, personal, moral and legal dimensions of cosmopolitanism. This is a key critical guide to cosmopolitanism for all students of globalization and sociology.
Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2006
This book offers a clear and concise account of the key debates in the globalization literature, serving as an accessible introduction to students new to the topic. It deals even-handedly with all the various dimensions of globalization - political, economic, social and cultural - and particularly draws attention to the role of people in processes of globalization.
In this sequel to 'Making Globalization', Robert Holton offers a thorough investigation of global network links across time and space. Exploring leading theory and new evidence on the subject, the book also offers advice on global network research. This is essential reading for all students of globalization and contemporary social change.
Uses an innovative conceptual approach to explore the way in which processes of globalization transform and impact upon everyday life. Engaging with a range of theories and concepts, the book provides an accessible discussion of modern issues for students of Globalization and Sociology.
