Handbook of Social Theory

The Handbook of Social Theory presents an authoritative and panoramic critical survey of the development, achievement and prospects of social theory. Divided into three sections, this indispensable resource incorporates contributions from world class scholars. Section One examines the classical tradition, demonstrating not only the critical significance of classical writings, but also their continuing relevance. Section Two provides a comprehensive and informed picture of the key issues and central figures in contemporary social theory. The significance and strengths and weaknesses of all the major schools of thought are discussed. Section Three focuses on the key debates within current social theory. The contributors fully explore questions and dilemmas which relate to topics including: the body, sexuality, globalism, nationalism, socialism, norms, ethics, positivism, post-structuralism, consumption and metatheorizing.