Reader's Guide to the Social Sciences

The Reader's Guide to the Social Sciences does precisely what the title says: it guides the reader through the key readings on a range of social science topics. It will therefore prove invaluable to anyone starting a search for the best in social science literature, compiling reading lists, or just seeking guidance on what has been published on a particular topic.

This two-volume work includes approximately 1200 entries in A-Z order, critically reviewing the literature on specific topics from abortion to the World Trade Organization. In addition, ten major entries cover each of the major disciplines (economics and political economy; management and business; psychology; organizational behavior; human geography; politics; sociology; law; history of the social sciences; scope of the social sciences).

The major survey entries act as a large-scale map of the discipline, enabling readers to put the standard length entries into context, to understand the historical development of the discipline, and to review key controversies and points of departure between diffe

[This work] concentrates on economics; political economy; politics; sociology; law; management and business; psychology and organizational psychology; organizational behavior; human geography; international relations; and research and analysis methods in the social sciences." Though touching on only a few of the well over 800 signed entries, the following gives a taste of the work's variety: "Ageism," "Capital Punishment," "Foucault," "Group Therapy," "Magna Carta," "Shyness," "Vegetarianism," "Women and the Law," and "Urbanism." Each entry opens by listing approximately eight to 20 books and sometimes articles, then follows with short descriptions noting each work's intent and importance. See also references are included. The beginning of each volume includes an alphabetical list of entries, followed by a thematic list. The second volume ends with a Booklist Index, a General Index, and Notes on Advisors and Contributors. Offering expert contributions from international scholars, this guide ably fulfills its aim of covering both important older works and recent publications. Recommended for most academic libraries, particularly those serving undergraduates, and public libraries where there is interest and need. Cynthia A. Johnson, Barnard Coll. Lib., New York Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.