This textbook offers a new approach to understanding social theory. Framed around paired theoretical perspectives on a series of sociological problems, the book shows how distinctive viewpoints shed light on different facets of social phenomena. The book includes sociology's "founding fathers", major 20th-century thinkers and recent voices such as Butler and Zizek. Philosophically grounded and focused on interpretation and analysis, the book provides a clear understanding of theory's scope while developing students' skills in evaluating, applying and comparing theories.

About the Author

Carsten Bagge Laustsen is Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, Aarhus University.

Lars Thorup Larsen is Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, Aarhus University.

Mathias Wullum Nielsen is a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of History, Stanford University.

Tine Ravn is a doctoral fellow at the Danish Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy, Department of Political Science, Aarhus University.

Mads P. Sorensen is Senior Researcher at the Danish Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy, Department of Political Science, Aarhus University.

Reviews

'Students often experience social theory as intimidating. The braver ones sometimes question its point: why do we have to learn about Durkheim? This welcome new text should go some way towards answering that question, while also encouraging students to see theory as a 'necessary good' rather than an 'unnecessary evil'. Some of their teachers may also breathe a sigh of relief. An impressive achievement.' - Professor Emeritus Richard Jenkins, University of Sheffield

Book Information
ISBN 9781138999954
Author Carsten Bagge Laustsen
Format Paperback
Page Count 270
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 408g