This book examines the intellectual contribution made by Frankfurt School Critical Theory to our understanding of modern life. Thematically organized and offering a strong mix of historical and contemporary material, it considers the work of both the first and second generation. While the work of the latter is often taken to exceed that of the former, the author suggests that insights gleaned by both, regarding the human subject, offer a significant alternative to postmodern ideas.

This book examines the intellectual contribution made by Frankfurt School Critical Theory to our understanding of modern life. Thematically organized and offering a strong mix of historical and contemporary material, it considers the work of both the first and second generation. While the work of the latter is often taken to exceed that of the former, the author suggests that insights gleaned by both, regarding the human subject, offer a significant alternative to postmodern ideas.

This important text argues for a "strong" notion of structuration theory in contrast to the seminal but more abstract and relatively under-developed project represented by Anthony Giddens's writings. It is argued that the distinctive power of structuration theory lies in its potential to critically investigate a specific range of in situ questions. Structuration Theory produces a synthesis that draws on Giddens's work, on other versions of the structuration problematic, and on key empirical uses of the approach. The final chapters make use of extended case examples to illustrate the critical...

Covering a rich tradition in sociology that focuses on the self and social interaction, this established and well-respected book traces the development of micro social theory and assesses its contemporary importance. Including discussion of the Chicago School, Mead, Garfinkel and Goffman, it makes theory intelligble for the student reader.

Understanding Max Weber's contribution to social theory is vital for students and scholars of social science. This insightful text offers critical discussion of Weber's ideas, focusing on their uses - how they have been appropriated and applied to contemporary events. Written by one of the world's leading Weber scholars, this is an essential read.

Understanding Max Weber's contribution to social theory is vital for students and scholars of social science. This insightful text offers critical discussion of Weber's ideas, focusing on their uses - how they have been appropriated and applied to contemporary events. Written by one of the world's leading Weber scholars, this is an essential read.

Comprehensive yet concise, this is an excellent introduction to the key themes of Georg Simmel's thought for students and scholars. Assessing his works and showing how his ideas have been applied across a range of subjects and topics in the contemporary social sciences, the text makes the wider context of Simmel's oeuvre accessible to all.

Comprehensive yet concise, this is an excellent introduction to the key themes of Georg Simmel's thought for students and scholars. Assessing his works and showing how his ideas have been applied across a range of subjects and topics in the contemporary social sciences, the text makes the wider context of Simmel's oeuvre accessible to all.