Social Theory of Modern Societies: Anthony Giddens and his Critics

by David Held (Editor), John B. Thompson (Editor)

Overview

During the past decade, Anthony Giddens has published a series of substantial volumes that have defined a distinctive and original theoretical approach. The twin focal points of his research are the "theory of structuration" and the analysis of "modernity." Giddens' writing on these and related themes are widely recognized as among the most important contributions to theoretical debate in the social sciences. This is the first book to provide a systematic and critical assessment of Giddens' work. It includes eleven critical essays specially commissioned from contributors who are well known in their own fields. In a concluding essay, Giddens responds to the criticisms raised by these and other authors, and clarifies and elaborates on his current views.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521278553
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/07/1989
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.71(d)

Table of Contents

List of abbreviations; Editors' introduction David Held and John B. Thompson; 1. Social theory as critique Richard J. Bernstein; 2. Hermeneutics and modern social theory Zygmunt Bauman; 3. The theory of structuration John B. Thompson; 4. Models of historical trajectory: an assessment of Giddens's critique of Marxism Erik Olin Wright; 5. Capitalism, nation-states and surveillance Bob Jessop; 6. War and the nation-state in social theory Martin Shaw; 7. Only half the story: some blinkering effects of 'malestream' sociology Linda Murgatroyd; 8. Citizenship and autonomy David Held; 9. Presences and absences: time-space relations and structuration theory Derek Gregory; 10. Space, urbanism and the created environment Peter Saunders; 11. On the (ir)relevance of structuration theory to empirical research Nicky Gregson; 12. A reply to my critics Anthony Giddens; Select bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"The level of scholarship by Giddens as well as his critics is superb. The select bibliography is conveniently divided into works by Giddens and works on Giddens. The index is far more comprehensive than one would expect, and is genuinely helpful." S. G. Mestrovic, Texas A & M University, in Choice

"Social Theory of Modern Societies: Anthony Giddens and his Critics performs a balanced act of drawing to our attention the furthest horizons of this ambitious project, as well as pointing to some well-aimed salvoes which have pierced that far-reaching endeavour." Henri Lustiger-Thaler, Canadian Review of Sociology

"Social Theory of Modern Societies: Anthony Giddens and his Critics performs a balanced act of drawing to our attention the furthest horizons of this ambitious project, as well as pointing to some well-aimed slavoes which have peirced that far-reaching endeavour." Henri Lustiger-thaler, Comptes Rendus

From the Publisher