ABSTRACT

The Routledge Companion to Social Theory provides an authoritative, comprehensive and provocative introduction to the key traditions of thought in social theory today. This ground-breaking reference work brings together major contributors, both established and emergent new voices, to reflect on the ways in which social theory sheds light on the contemporary social world. Represented are:

the traditions of classical social thought

symbolic interactionism

psychoanalysis

structuralism, post-structuralism and postmodernism

identity theories

globalization theories.

The Routledge Companion to Social Theory is designed to give a sense of the complexities of both classical and contemporary social theory. Including a helpful glossary of key terms and theorists, this accessible guide is essential reading for students and professionals in social theory, sociology, philosophy, cultural studies, women’s studies and politics.

part |2 pages

Part I TRADITIONS AND RIDDLES OF SOCIAL THEORY

chapter 1|16 pages

WHAT IS SOCIAL THEORY?

ByCharles Lemert

chapter 2|18 pages

CLASSICAL SOCIAL THEORY

ByLarry Ray

chapter 3|19 pages

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM

ByPhilip Manning, Greg Smith

chapter 4|17 pages

SOCIAL THEORY AND PSYCHOANALYSIS

ByAnthony Elliott

chapter 5|13 pages

STRUCTURALIST AND POST-STRUCTURALIST SOCIAL THEORY

ByDaniel Chaffee

chapter 6|16 pages

THEORIES OF STRUCTURATION

ByAnthony Elliott

chapter 7|15 pages

SOCIAL THEORY OF THE BODY

ByMary Holmes

chapter 8|18 pages

POSTMODERN SOCIAL THEORY

BySam Han

chapter 9|21 pages

IDENTITY AND SOCIAL THEORY

ByAnn Branaman

chapter 10|17 pages

NEW MEDIA, POPULAR CULTURE AND SOCIAL THEORY

ByNick Stevenson

chapter 11|15 pages

CITIZENSHIP, COSMOPOLITANISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS

ByEngin F. Isin, Bryan S. Turner

chapter 12|15 pages

CULTURAL SOCIAL THEORY

ByBrad West

chapter 13|16 pages

SOCIAL THEORY AND GLOBALIZATION

ByEric L. Hsu