Social Theory: An Introduction

by Jonathan Joseph

Overview

A clear and accessible historical introduction to social theory

This introduction to social theory addresses key issues in sociological, political, and cultural analysis through the unifying theme of social conflict, cohesion, and consent. Structured around the major theorists in the field, Joseph examines such thinkers as Marx and Engels, Gramsci, Durkheim, Parsons, Weber, The Frankfurt School, and Foucault. Through their ideas, core social concepts and key features of modern society are introduced, including structure and agency, ideology, discourse and legitimation, the state, the economy, and civil society. Dealing with both contemporary social debates and established theoretical approaches, Social Theory serves as a uniquely useful introduction for both politics and sociology students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814742761
Publisher:	New York University Press
Publication date:	03/01/2004
Pages:	218
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.71(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Jonathan Joseph is a lecturer in international politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He is author of Hegemony: A Realist Analysis and coeditor (with John Roberts) of Realism, Discourse and Deconstruction.

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgements	vi
1	Introduction: the norms of sociology	1
2	Marx and Engels: conflict and consent	6
3	Antonio Gramsci: theorist of hegemony	36
4	Emile Durkheim and functionalism	66
5	Max Weber, rationalisation and elites	94
6	Culture and communication in the Frankfurt school	128
7	Michel Foucault: discourse, power and regulation	162
8	Conclusion: uncertainty and diversity	194
	References	208
	Further Reading	213
	Index	215

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"There is always a need for introductory works about difficult ideas that are written with as much clarity, grace, balance and scholarship as this one. For these topics, in particular, it is a striking accomplishment. I have no doubt it will be widely used."

-Bertell Ollman,New York University

Editorial Reviews

"There is always a need for introductory works about difficult ideas that are written with as much clarity, grace, balance and scholarship as this one. For these topics, in particular, it is a striking accomplishment. I have no doubt it will be widely used."

-Bertell Ollman,New York University

From the Publisher