Social Life

Contemporary Social Theory

Kate Reed author Matthias Benzer author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Sage Publications Ltd

Published:4th Oct '19

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Social Life cover

In Social Life, the authors highlight, explain, and scrutinize socio-theoretical analyses of contemporary social relations and conditions - put forward by eight modern social theorists - and analyse how these have informed sociological inquiries into people’s lives in today’s social world.

The book discusses the works of the following social theorists:

  • Anthony Giddens
  • Pierre Bourdieu
  • Bruno Latour
  • Donna Haraway
  • Zygmunt Bauman
  • Jean-Francois Lyotard
  • Michel Foucault
  • Jean Baudrillard

In each chapter, the authors identify the key components of each theorist’s conception of society and apply the theories outlined to specific, modern phenomena. This connection with modern-day phenomena allows for a critical interrogation of issues in contemporary society, including: Inequality and Capital, Power, Fear and Terrorism, Immune System Discourse, Suffering, and Climate Change.

Essential reading for all sociology students studying social theory and the works of modern social theorists.

Benzer and Reed grab their favourite things from their favourite theorists and assemble those closely examined nuggets into their own kaleidoscopic-fragmentary theory of contemporary society. Avoiding the fetish of comprehensiveness that ruins most textbooks, they have produced a tool that students will actually find useful for studying.


-- Dr Marcel Stoetzler, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Bangor University

This collection of essays on social theorists is highly readable and complex ideas are presented clearly. These are excellent discussions based on close engagement with the original texts that will be a valuable sources for both students and academics.


-- Larry Ray, Professor of Sociology, University of Kent
This book gives a user-friendly introduction to some key philosophers in the field of Social Science with whom our Ed Doc students should be familiar in developing their theoretical frameworks for writing assignments and developing their research -- Dr Dominic Griffiths
This textbook offers students access to a range of important social theory in one place. It initiates thinking for students, particularly in health or social care, who may not have covered these areas before but want to consider social theory in their research. -- Dr Simone Coetzee
Helps to synthesise the material together, explores key terminology in more depth and is accessible. -- Miss Danika Robyn Waddell
Excellent social theory applications -- Miss Olalonpe Ige
Very useful broad perspective for offering general background and contemporary context to learners. -- Mr Roger

ISBN: 9781473907843

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 360g

184 pages