Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure, and Contradiction in Social Analysis [Paperback]

Anthony Giddens (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0520039750 | ISBN-13: 978-0520039759 | Publication Date: November 29, 1979

In this new and brilliantly organized book of essays, Anthony Giddens discusses three main theoretical traditions in social science that cut across the division between Marxist and non-Marxist sociology: interpretive sociology, functionalism, and structuralism.
Beginning with a critical examination of the importance of structuralism for contemporary sociology, the author develops a comprehensive account of what he calls "the theory of structuration." One of the main themes is that social theory must recognize, as it has not done hitherto, that all social actors are knowledgeable about the social systems they produce and reproduce in their conduct. In order to grasp the significance of this, he argues, we have to reconsider some of the most basic concepts in sociology.
In particular, Giddens argues, it is essential to recognize the significance of time-space relations in social theory. He rejects the distinction between synchrony and diachrony, or statics and dynamics, involved in both structuralism and functionalism, and offers extensive critical commentary on the latter as an approach to sociology.
The book, which can be described as a "non-functionalist manifesto," breaks with the three main theoretical traditions in the social sciences today while retaining the significant contributions each contains. In so doing Giddens discusses a range of fundamental problem areas in the social sciences: power and domination, conflict and contradiction, and social transformation. He concludes with an overall appraisal of the key problems in social theory today.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"One of the most creative among the younger generation of critical social theorists, Giddens stands alone in his concern for the classical tradition on sociology; but he also makes brilliant use of the latest philosophical and theoretical work of several contemporary schools and disciplines. A very important book for all of social science."--Jeffrey C. Alexander

About the Author

Anthony Giddens is a Fellow of King's College and Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Cambridge. He is the author of numerous books on social theory.

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (November 29, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520039750
• ISBN-13: 978-0520039759
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #619,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic set of articles, August 27, 2011

By 

Andrew Shiotani "Andrew K" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure, and Contradiction in Social Analysis (Paperback)

I recently revisited this book, which I had read long ago and was my first real introduction to arguments in contemporary social theory. I later read 'The Constitution of Society,'which is where one should go for Giddens's full statement of 'structuration theory,' but I'm especially fond of this work, which really is a collection of articles treating different concepts (power, structure, domination, contradiction, conflict, etc.). Giddens discusses a vast range of authors in an attempt to synthesize them into a coherent framework of social theory; sometimes, I think he indulges in displaying his erudition, but I think overall it's invigorating to see so many different figures brought into a synoptic vision. I don't think the synthesis always works - structuration theory impressed me less and less after thinking about it over the years - but this book felt like a series of fascinating puzzles that motivated me to read further into rather than turn away from sociology and social theory.

4.0 out of 5 stars great for theorists, not for lazy sundays, November 10, 2006

By 

g8trowel (Gainesville FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure, and Contradiction in Social Analysis (Paperback)

Giddens' approach to theory takes functional-structuralism and gives it a diachronic facelift. One of the greatest flaws in structuralism (sorry LS) is that it does not address problems related to social change in context of time and place. Giddens' attempts to do this, albeit with a few flaws, but all in all is a sound theoretical base from which to pull from when creating models.
Kind of repetitive at times, considering it is a collection of articles rather than one manuscript.

6 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Philosophy and Sociology, April 9, 2001

By 

Suckwoo Lee (Seoul, Seoul South Korea) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure, and Contradiction in Social Analysis (Paperback)

It seems unneccessarily complicated riddle to solve to us, sociologists. actually Giddens's writing style in this title is not that easy to grasp judging from sociological convention. and worse he cited too many names like Saussure, Hegel, Levi-Strauss, Heidegger, Husserl and even Derrida and Wittgenstein! those that makes readers wandering around jargons from philosophy. because this book stem from the controversial atmosphere of 70s when French Structuralism prevailed over intellectural map. Giddens wanted to conter their assertions. we can see he was right at 80s when structurism collapsed into trendy postmodernist jargons. Anyway I recommend to read this title if u read 'The Constitution of Society'. which title is not that hostile to reader like this title. but something lacks on it. You can find what miss in later masterpiece. This title is somewhat earlier endeavor to clarify his theory of structuration. so thorems were not that clearly founded. it makes it the way to hostility to readers but sometimes this kind of imperfection is more valuable to portray one's image of theory.