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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.
Micro social theory covers a rich tradition in sociological thinking and research that focuses on the self or actor and social interaction. It includes the work of the Chicago School, Garfinkel and Goffman amongst others. This new title in theTraditions in Social Theory series traces the development of the tradition and assesses its contemporary importance. Throughout, the emphasis is on making theory intelligible, enabling Sociology students to broaden their knowledge of micro social theory and its application.
Marxist theory has made a major and lasting contribution to social and political thought. This text offers a concise introduction to its main ideas and debates in a way that is easily accessible for the reader new to this rich and substantial subject. Adopting a measured but critical stance, it first assesses the key thinkers and then goes on to look at a number of debates and recent developments in Marxist thought. It therefore provides not only an engaging account of how Marxism developed historically but also an assessment of how it is continuing to develop.
'Social scientists have long needed a book that constructively revises and extends Anthony Giddens' structuration theory in response to the criticisms and uses it has generated across the world since its articulation between 1976 and 1984. In providing exactly that, Rob Stones has achieved something of exceptional significance while writing with great clarity and engaging style' - Professor Chris Bryant, Salford University, UK
'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
'How offers something new and valuable. The book's charm flows from the generosity of its authors enthusiasm combined with a near-faultless consideration of the reader's needs. Short enough to be unintimidating yet long enough to deal with the expository demands of technically difficult material... here is a book to excite teachers and students.' - John Parker, University of Wales, Swansea, The Times Higher Education Supplement
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.
'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.
This straightforward, approachable text provides students with a beginner's guide and continuing reference tool for undertaking statistical data analysis using SPSS. Introduces key skills for every newcomer to the subject, such as choosing the appropriate test, loading data, using graphs and interpreting computer outputs.
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.
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.
Society consists of people sharply divided from one another, living different lives and identifying themselves in distinct ways. The social inequalities that underlie these divisions take many forms. This updated and expanded second edition of a successful text explores each of the social divisions. The book includes three major new chapters, on religion, poverty and elites, bringing it up to date with current research and teaching practices. Written by leading academics in each field, with additional pedagogical features, this is a crucial book for all students studying social divisions.
Understanding Poverty provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the analysis of poverty and social exclusion covering the definition, measurement, distribution and causes of poverty and the policies developed to combat it. The third edition has been extensively rewritten and expanded to include recent developments in research and policy while maintaining the successful broad approach of earlier editions. In particular coverage of poverty dynamics and social exclusion has been expanded, with chapters covering targeted anti-poverty action and the new programmes developed since1997.
Children have become an increasingly important focus for sociological analysis in recent years. This inspiring new book explores a range of sociological approaches to researching the fascinating lives and social worlds of children, and the phenomenon of childhood. In doing so, it reviews competing theoretical positions on childhood and examines research that assumes children are competent social actors. Key and controversial issues relating to childhood are discussed such as poverty, abuse and rights. The book also considers practical, methodological and ethical issues relating to research with children. Student-oriented in structure and style, it is an ideal text for courses offered in Sociology, Early Childhood Studies and related fields.
In recent years, there have been an increasing number of popular political appeals to the notion of community as a proposed solution to contemporary social problems. Nowhere has this been more obvious than in relation to crime, where community safety, community justice, 'punishment in the community' have all become buzz words. This timely book sheds light on the slippery and contested concept of community in relation to criminology. Truly international in its scope, it uses case studies of community-based initiatives to tackle crime as an entry point for exploring a range of important conceptual and policy debates relevant both to students and practitioners.
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.
Victims of crime are receiving increasing amounts of attention from policy makers, agencies of the criminal justice system and researchers. This text offers a much-needed overview of theory and practice in the topical area of crime, victimization and criminal justice policy. Spalek explores the impact of crime upon victims, looks at the establishment of victim initiatives and pushes debates in the area forward. Engagingly presented with case studies and questions drawn from recent high-profile cases, such as the Potters Bar rail disaster and the Oklahoma City bombing. This comprehensive textbook is essential reading for anyone interested in victims or victimology.
Health and Health Technologies
Critically reviews and compares the conflicting perspectives on disability and chronic illness found in disability studies and medical sociology. Carefully outlines the historical development of both these approaches, providing readers with a solid understanding of the overlaps and divergences between the two fields.
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.
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.
