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Central Problems in Social Theory - by Anthony Giddens (Paperback)
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About this item
Highlights
- 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.
- About the Author: Anthony Giddens is a Fellow of King's College and Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Cambridge.
- 294 Pages
- Social Science, Sociology
Description
About the Book
"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. AlexanderBook Synopsis
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.
From the Back Cover
In this new and brilliantly original 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.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.Dimensions (Overall): 8.23 Inches (H) x 5.46 Inches (W) x .83 Inches (D)
Weight: .74 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 294
Genre: Social Science
Sub-Genre: Sociology
Publisher: University of California Press
Theme: General
Format: Paperback
Author: Anthony Giddens
Language: English
Street Date: November 29, 1979
TCIN: 85158613
UPC: 9780520039759
Item Number (DPCI): 247-60-2274
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 0.83 inches length x 5.46 inches width x 8.23 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.74 pounds
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