Description
Book SynopsisThis textbook introduction to Social Theory is unique in addressing key issues in sociological, political and cultural analysis through an examination of modern theories of social conflict, cohesion and consent.
Table of Contents1: Introduction; 2: Marx and Engels; (i) Social classes and the role of class struggle in history; (ii) Economic analysis of capitalist society; (iii) The state; (iv) The concept of ideology; (v) Social conflict and social change; 3. Antonio Gramsci and the concept of hegemony; (i); The critique of Marxism and the model of economic base and political-cultural; superstructure; (ii); Machiavelli and the Modern Prince - strategies for leading and directing; (iii); Hegemony: Coercion and consent; (iv); Hegemony: Historical bloc and passive revolution; (v); Hegemonic strategy: Wars of position and manoeuvre; (vi); The role of the intellectual, consent through organic ideas; (vii); Recent applications: Economic and cultural theory; (4); Max Weber and rationalisation; (i); Charismatic leadership, traditional leadership and domination; (ii); The state as a monopoly of violence. Civil society and the determination of; social status; (iii); Legal-rational society, the modern state and its legitimacy; (iv); Elitism and the rise of bureaucracy (also introduces elitist theorists); (v); Modernity and the 'iron cage'; (5); The Frankfurt School; (i); Influences: A synthesis of Weber and Marx; (ii); Adorno and Horkheimer: Enlightenment thinking; (iii); Adorno and Horkheimer: The role of the culture industry; (iv); Marcuse: One-dimensional society; (v); Jurgen Habermas: Public sphere and legitimation crisis; (vi); Habermas: System, lifeworld and communication; (6); Michel Foucault; (i); Discourse: Madness and civilisation; (ii); Practice: Discipline and punishment; (iii); Power and knowledge; (iv); Foucault and feminism; (v); Foucault and postmodernism; (7); Conclusion.
