The body occupies a prime position in contemporary theoretical work, yet still there is no consensus on exactly what it is and what constitutes it. Contested Bodies brings together a number of different accounts and perspectives on the body, drawing out some of the key connections and disjunctures from this most contested of topics. This volume features fresh and fascinating contributions from some of the leading thinkers and upcoming theorists in the field.

Themes that run through the work include:

* the place of the body in theory
* the notion of labour in the...

The body occupies a prime position in contemporary theoretical work, yet there is no consensus on what it is and what constitutes it. This text brings together a number of different accounts and perspectives on the body, drawing out some of the key connections and disjunctures from this most contested of topics.

It has been claimed that organization theory is in a state of 'crisis'. This book traces the history of the orthodox systems theory paradigm in organization studies from its foundations in positivist sociology, through its theoretical and empirical development under structural-functionalism, to its recent deconstruction by postmodernists. The analysis offers general support for the 'sociology-in-crisis' thesis, but takes issue with one of its main propositions, that paradigms are incommensurable. It is argued that paradigms are porous rather than hermetic phenomena, a fact which has profound...

Issues around identity, agency and reflexivity are opened up and explored in a refreshing new perspective that deepens our understanding of organization and institutions. Body and Organization thorougly invigorates the study of process and brings the organization to three-dimensional life for a new generation of students and researchers.

Issues around identity, agency and reflexivity are opened up and explored in a refreshing new perspective that deepens our understanding of organization and institutions. Body and Organization thorougly invigorates the study of process and brings the organization to three-dimensional life for a new generation of students and researchers.

Essential reading for all those concerned with contemporary theorizing of organization, this important and thought-provoking volume explores the implications of postmodernist//poststructuralist thinking for organizations and organizational analysis.

The book introduces the concepts underpinning a postmodern organizational analysis, contrasting modern and postmodern forms of explanation and addressing the distinctions between postmodernity and postmodernism. Succeeding chapters then examine and assess the interplay of major postmodernist themes - such as deconstruction, desire, difference,...

Organizational analysis has moved in a number of directions since its origins in mainstream theories of positivism and functionalism. This challenging book sets out an alternative agenda for the field, discussing existing critical discourses, whilst exploring a selection of emerging ideas and arguments.

Addressing a series of key epistemological, conceptual and methodological issues, Disorganization Theory is designed to encourage reflexive thinking on the part of the reader. Influenced by critical philosophies of deconstruction and discourse, the book not only...