Critical Issues In Social Theory

Author : John K. Rhoads
Publisher : Penn State Press
ISBN 13 : 9780271040059
Total Pages : 394 pages
Book Rating : 4.5X/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Critical Issues in Social Theory written by John K. Rhoads and published by Penn State Press. This book was released on 2010-11-01 with total page 394 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Critical Issues in Social Theory is an analytical survey of persistent controversies that have shaped the field of sociology. It defines, clarifies, and proposes solutions to these "critical issues" through commentary on the writings of such influential social theorists as Hobbes, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Merton, Parsons, and Schutz. Instead of being just another history, or another classification of theories, Rhoads's four-part model allows him to focus attention on issues that remain at the core of sociological theory today. First, Rhoads analyzes the controversy over positivism as the proper methodological model for the study of human society. Is there one science, of which sociology is a branch, or do the peculiarities of sociology's subject matter require a modification of the scientific method borrowed from the natural sciences? Rhoads next considers the relationship of individuals to society and its structures. Does society have a mode of existence distinct from its members, or is it merely an abstraction derived from the characteristics of individuals? Third, a discussion of social order raises the question of whether social order is the consequence of rules and their underlying moral values, or the product of continuous construction based on self-interest. Finally, the relative importance of consensus and conflict in social relationships is addressed. Is society better understood as a community united by beliefs, values, and rules, or is the social dynamic of continual conflict over beliefs, values, and rules more fundamental? In coming to grips with these issues, the author in some instances takes sides and in others arrives at a synthesis of diverse perspectives. In the final chapter he points to the limitations on the possibility of rational action that come to light in the clashes over these basic issues.

Author : Anthony Giddens
Publisher : Univ of California Press
ISBN 13 : 9780520039759
Total Pages : 308 pages
Book Rating : 4.50/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Central Problems in Social Theory written by Anthony Giddens and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 1979-11-29 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "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. Alexander

Author : James S. Coleman
Publisher : SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 264 pages
Book Rating : 4.77/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Rational Choice Theory written by James S. Coleman and published by SAGE Publications, Incorporated. This book was released on 1992-08-11 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rational Choice Theory is one of the few general theories of how individuals, groups, organizations and social structures behave - its impact on sociological theorizing has been enormous. In this volume, advocates and critics present their views of the values and limitations of rational choice theory. Whether supporter or sceptic, sociologists and other social scientists will find themselves immersed in a creative discussion of the merits and difficulties of the model and its applicability to both macro and micro level social issues.

Author : Raymond Allen Morrow
Publisher : SUNY Press
ISBN 13 : 9780791422526
Total Pages : 540 pages
Book Rating : 4.26/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Social Theory and Education written by Raymond Allen Morrow and published by SUNY Press. This book was released on 1995-03-09 with total page 540 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book summarizes and critiques theories of social and cultural reproduction as they relate to sociology of education.

Author : Anthony Giddens
Publisher : Univ of California Press
ISBN 13 : 0520039750
Total Pages : 306 pages
Book Rating : 4.59/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Central Problems in Social Theory written by Anthony Giddens and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 1979-11-29 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "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. Alexander

Author : Thomas S. Popkewitz
Publisher : Psychology Press
ISBN 13 : 9780415922401
Total Pages : 276 pages
Book Rating : 4.02/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Critical Theories in Education written by Thomas S. Popkewitz and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 1999 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: First Published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Author : Lucius T. Outlaw
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
ISBN 13 : 0742575764
Total Pages : 244 pages
Book Rating : 4.69/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Critical Social Theory in the Interests of Black Folks written by Lucius T. Outlaw and published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. This book was released on 2005-09-15 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examining the situations of African Americans in the U.S.A., Lucius Outlaw's essays illustrate over twenty years of work dedicated to articulating a 'critical theory of society' that would account for issues and limiting-factors affecting African-descended peoples in the U.S. Attempting to put politics aside, Outlaw writes from a non-partisan standpoint, in the hopes that the issues he raises in his essays will inspire improvement for the well-bring of African Americans and will also strengthen America's democracy. Outlaw envisions a democratic order that is not built upon racist projections of the past. Instead, he seeks in these essays a transformative social theory that would help create a truly democratic social order.

Author : Paul Zarembka
Publisher : BRILL
ISBN 13 : 9004432701
Total Pages : 287 pages
Book Rating : 4.03/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Key Elements of Social Theory Revolutionized by Marx written by Paul Zarembka and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2020-09-25 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Marx's oeuvre is vast yet with key elements to an evolving social theory, even including state conspiracies. Deep confrontation with Ricardian economics is an expression, including with accumulation of capital. Luxemburg was the most significant contributor to Marxism, post-Marx.

Author : Alex Law
Publisher : SAGE
ISBN 13 : 1446243389
Total Pages : 242 pages
Book Rating : 4.81/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Key Concepts in Classical Social Theory written by Alex Law and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2010-12-14 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "I think this will prove to be a very useful text for undergraduate students. Alex Law has produced a comprehensive list of key classical social theory concepts and provides an accessible account of the meaning of central terms, their place in the work of the classical analysts considered and the contemporary significance of their ideas. In addition he has offered useful additional reading guidance from which students will derive considerable benefit." - Barry Smart, University of Portsmouth This book′s individual entries introduce, explain and contextualise the key topics within classical social theory. Definitions, summaries and key words are developed throughout with careful cross-referencing allowing students to move effortlessly between core ideas and themes. Each entry provides: clear definitions lucid accounts of key issues up-to-date suggestions for further reading informative cross-referencing. Relevant, focused and accessible this book will provide students across the social sciences with an indispensible guide to the central concepts of classical social theory.

Author : Patricia Hill Collins
Publisher : Duke University Press Books
ISBN 13 : 9781478005421
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.24/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory written by Patricia Hill Collins and published by Duke University Press Books. This book was released on 2019-08-23 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory Patricia Hill Collins offers a set of analytical tools for those wishing to develop intersectionality's capability to theorize social inequality in ways that would facilitate social change. While intersectionality helps shed light on contemporary social issues, Collins notes that it has yet to reach its full potential as a critical social theory. She contends that for intersectionality to fully realize its power, its practitioners must critically reflect on its assumptions, epistemologies, and methods. She places intersectionality in dialog with several theoretical traditions—from the Frankfurt school to black feminist thought—to sharpen its definition and foreground its singular critical purchase, thereby providing a capacious interrogation into intersectionality's potential to reshape the world.