The fourth edition features a comprehensive collection of readings that reflect contemporary sociological thought and practice. It has been meticulously revised and updated, making it an engaging resource for those looking to explore the diverse aspects of sociology. This edition aims to stimulate critical thinking and provide a broad understanding of the field, catering to both newcomers and those familiar with sociological concepts.
Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, sociology today is a theoretically diverse enterprise, covering a huge range of subjects and drawing on a broad array of research methods. Central to this endeavour is the use of core concepts and ideas which allow sociologists to make sense of societies, though our understanding of these concepts necessarily evolves and changes. This clear and jargon-free book introduces a careful selection of essential concepts that have helped to shape sociology and others that continue to do so. Going beyond brief, dictionary-style definitions, Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton provide an extended discussion of each concept which sets it in historical and theoretical context, explores its main meanings in use, introduces relevant criticisms, and points readers to its ongoing development in contemporary research and theorizing. Organized in ten thematic sections, the book offers a portrait of sociology through its essential concepts, ranging from capitalism, identity and deviance to the digital revolution, the environment and intersectionality. It will be essential reading for all those new to sociology as well as anyone seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world.
Anthony Giddens has been in the forefront of developments in social theory for the past decade. In The Constitution of Society he outlines the distinctive position he has evolved during that period and offers a full statement of a major new perspective in social thought, a synthesis and elaboration of ideas touched on in previous works but described here for the first time in an integrated and comprehensive form. A particular feature is Giddens's concern to connect abstract problems of theory to an interpretation of the nature of empirical method in the social sciences. In presenting his own ideas, Giddens mounts a critical attack on some of the more orthodox sociological views. The Constitution of Society is an invaluable reference book for all those concerned with the basic issues in contemporary social theory.
Focusing on European social theory from the mid-19th century to World War I, this book examines its implications for modern social sciences. It addresses key issues such as methodology, social change, and the emergence of sociology, while also exploring the role of social science as a form of critique. Giddens presents innovative perspectives that challenge established beliefs and aims to reconstruct social theory relevant to contemporary contexts.
Winner of the 2014 European Book Prize. A "United States of Europe", Winston Churchill proposed in 1946, could "as if by a miracle transform" that "turbulent and mighty continent". "In this way only", he continued, "will hundreds of millions of toilers be able to regain the simple joys and hopes which make life worth living".
Revised and Updated with Philip W. Sutton - 6th Edition
1194 pages
42 hours of reading
The sixth edition of Anthony Giddens' Sociology is the best yet. Revised and updated throughout, it provides an authoritative overview of recent global developments and new ideas in sociology. Classic debates are also given careful coverage, with even the most complex ideas explained in an engaging way. Written in a fluent, easy-to-follow style, the book manages to be intellectually rigorous but still very accessible. It aims to engage and excite readers, helping them to see the value of thinking sociologically. The sixth edition includes: substantive new material on education, media, social theory, inequalities, politics and government, and a whole new chapter on war and terrorism further revisions and updating in all the chapters a strong focus on global sociology, and the sociological imagination new 'classic studies' boxes, which examine in detail influential empirical research additional 'thinking critically' sections woven through the text, to stimulate students' own insights specially chosen, eye-catching photographs, which capture the everyday drama of the social world A best-selling textbook for more than 20 years, the sixth edition sets the standard for introductory sociology. It is the ideal teaching text for first-year University and college courses, and will help to inspire a new generation of sociologists. Please visit the accompanying website at www.politybooks.com/giddens6 .
"Climate change differs from any other problem that, as collective humanity, we face today. If it goes unchecked, the consequences are likely to be catastrophic for human life on earth. Yet for most people, and for many policy-makers too, it tends to be a 'back of the mind' issue. ... [This book] argues controversially, we do not have a systematic politics of climate change. Politics-as-usual won't allow us to deal with the problems we face, while the recipes of the main challenger to orthodox politics, the green movement, are flawed at source." - cover.
Labour stands at a decisive point in its history. A change of leadership can help reinvigorate the party, but winning a fourth term of government will be impossible unless Labour's ideological position and policy outlook are thoroughly refurbished. What form should these innovations take?
This book explores the evolving landscape of Europe post-Constitution, addressing the challenges faced by the EU after its enlargement to 25 countries. It examines concerns over social and economic stability, the future of the welfare state, and competitive pressures from emerging economies, featuring insights from various experts.
'Before the current global era it is impossible to imagine that comparable events [like September 11] could have occurred, reflecting as they do our new-found interdependence. The rise of global terrorism, like world-wide networks involving in money-laundering, drug-running and other forums of organised crime, are all parts of the dark side of globalisation.' From the new Preface This book is based on the highly influential BBC Reith lecture series on globalisation delivered in 1999 by Anthony Giddens. Now updated with a new chapter addressing the post-September 11th global landscape, this book remains the intellectual benchmark on how globalisation is reshaping our lives. The changes are explored in five main chapters: * Globalisation * Risk * Tradition * Family * Democracy.
