Understanding Social Theory [Paperback]

Derek Layder (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0803984499 | ISBN-13: 978-0803984493 | Publication Date: March 31, 1994

Accessible and authoritative, this jargon-free textbook provides an introduction to the central issues in modern social theory.

The book offers the reader a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to social theory,with the following key features: it is organized around core dualisms in social theory, focusing on: the individual and society; agency-structure; and macro-micro. It offers a balanced account of the contribution that major social theorists have made to our understanding of these issues, covering the ideas of : Parsons, Foucault, Giddens, Elias, Habermas and others. The ideas of individual theorists are explained within the context of different perspectives, including symbolic interactionism, phenomenolog

Editorial Reviews

Review

`Not simply an account, it is also an argument...Not only did Layder's book make me think it made me want to ask questions about his coverage and argue with him.... Layder's is a book which I would refer a student who was interested in and thinking hard about theory; perhaps I should also direct to it those students who need to be made to think about theory' - Ian Craib, British Journal of Sociology

'Derek Layder's Understanding Social Theory, provides one of the most comprehensive, incisive, and readable treatments of the micro-macro problem now available' - Professor Paul Colomy, University of Denver

'This is a robust text - challenging and provocative and one which students will benefit from reading. Derek Layder guides the reader through a large body of relevant literature. He draws attention to the strengths and weaknesses of particular approaches as he sees them and he is not afraid to offer his own judgements on the issues and problems he addresses' - Professor John Eldridge, University of Glasgow

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd (March 31, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803984499
• ISBN-13: 978-0803984493
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,148,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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