Our Book of the Month choice for May

The SSL ‘Book of the Month’ feature highlights a book in our collection that has been chosen by one of our Subject Consultants. This may be a recent addition to our stock or an existing item that we would like to share with you.

 

Social theory now

edited by Claudio E. Benzecry

University of Chicago Press, 2017

Shelfmark: H61.SOC 2017

 

 

 

Our Book of the Month choice for May has been selected by John Southall, Bodleian Data Librarian and Subject Consultant for Economics, Sociology and Social Policy & Intervention.

 

Why was it chosen?

It was chosen because it provides an outlook on the current state of social theory and an opportunity to reflect on changes since the publication of ‘Social Theory Now’, Giddens and Turner (1987).

Book Overview

This book provides a useful window onto social theory based on current research, examining trends in classical traditions and the cutting edge of more recent approaches. From distinctive theoretical positions, contributors address questions regarding;

  • how social order is accomplished;
  • the role of materiality, practice, and meaning
  • the conditions for the knowledge of the social world

The theoretical traditions presented include microsociology, world-system theory, cultural sociology, post-colonial theory, gender and feminism, network theory, rational choice, poststructuralism, pragmatism, and the sociology of conventions. Each chapter introduces a tradition and presents an agenda for further positive theoretical development.

Reviews:

Driven by the question of what holds social theory together given its diversity, this fruitful volume establishes a ‘trading zone’ of ideas across institutional and intellectual divides.”

Marcos Gonzalez Hernando, LSE Review of Books. 

“Particularly enlightening for their ability to bring interdisciplinary theory into conversation with established sociological traditions in fresh and surprising ways.”

Joseph Gerteis, American Journal of Sociology

Where can I find it?

We have one reference only copy of the title which is currently displayed on top of our New Books Display Area (located around the corner from our Library Issue Desk). You are welcome to remove it from the display to have a look at it. The shelfmark for the title is H61.SOC 2017

What would your SSL Book of the Month be? Do you have a favourite book in our collection? If so, we would love to know what it is. Add a comment below or email us.

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