Description
Book SynopsisLooking both to the past of sociology and the diversity of intellectual trends found in the present-day, the book explores many aspects of the sociological heritage. Comte, Durkheim, Parsons, Marshall and Habermas are among the figures covered.
Trade Review"Excellently understandable."
The Times Higher Education Supplement "It is difficult to imagine social-scientific thought and practice in Britain and much of Continental Europe without the distinctive contribution of Anthony Giddens ... In Defence of Sociology ... is a powerful restatement of the ways in which Giddens believes sociology should address the contemporary world. It brings under one cover Giddens's most recent studies and reassessments of some older ones." The Times Literary Supplement
"[A] timely defence of the discipline. In Defence of Sociology is reflective sociological theorising at its finest. It is a work that connects sociology to current social and political issues with theoretical lucidity and rigour." The Australian
"Erudition and enormous breadth of analysis ... delivered in accessible and enjoyable writing style." Thesis Eleven
Table of ContentsPreface.
1. In Defence of Sociology.
2. Living in a Post-Traditional Society.
3. What is Social Science?.
4. Functionalism: Aprés la Lutte.
5. 'Britishness' and the Social Sciences.
6. The Future of Anthropology.
7. Four Myths in the History of Social Thought.
8. Auguste Comte and Positivism.
9. The Suicide Problem in French Sociology.
10. Reason Without Revolution?: Habermas's Theory of Communicative Action. .
11. Literature and Society: Raymond Williams.
12. T. H. Marshall, the State and Democracy.
13. Brave New World: The New Context of Politics.
14. The Labour Party and British Politics.
Notes.
Index.
