Contested Knowledge : Social Theory Today

by Steven Seidman (State University of New York)

• ISBN13: 9781405170017
• ISBN10: 1405170018
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-03-01
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

Contested Knowledge is a well-established text offering up-to-date perspectives on social theory by one of the most important thinkers of our time. This fourth edition includes an exploration of globalization and a new section on the theories of global and world order. It provides a thoughtful and rigorous, yet highly accessible and reader-friendly account of social theory. Responds to current issues, debates, and new social movements Reviews sociological theory from a truly contemporary perspective Examines both classical and contemporary theories Combines social analysis and moral advocacy to demonstrate how social theory contributes to the making of a better world Challenges social scientists to renew their commitment to the important moral and political role social knowledge plays in public life A thoughtful and rigorous, yet highly accessible and reader-friendly account of social theory

Author Biography

Steven Seidman is Professor of Sociology at State University of New York at Albany. He is a world renowned social theorist working in the areas of social theory, culture, sexuality, comparative sociology, theory of democracy, nationalism and globalization. He is the author and editor of several books including Embattled Eros: Sexual Politics and Ethics in Contemporary America (1992), The Postmodern Turn: New Perspectives on Social Theory (editor, 1995), Queer Theory/Sociology (Blackwell, 1996), The New Social Theory Reader: Contemporary Debates (edited with Jeffrey C. Alexander, 2001), and Beyond the Closet: The Transformation of Gay and Lesbian Life (2002).

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

The Rise of the Classical Tradition:Introduction

The Idea of a Science of Society: The Enlightenment and Auguste Comte

The Revolutionary Theory of

The Promise of Sociology

The Ironic Social Theory of

Afterword

Rethinking the Classical Tradition: American Sociology:Introduction

The Grand Theory of Talcott Parsons and of

The Scientific Theory of

The Moral Sociology of

Afterword

Rethinking the Classical Tradition: European Theory:Introduction

The Critical Theory of Jurgen Habermas

Stuart Hall and British Cultural Studies

The Critical Sociology of

Afterword

Revisions and Revolts: The Postmodern Turn:Introduction

Post-Structural Theory

Michel Foucault's Disciplinary Society

Zygmunt Bauman's Sociology of Postmodernity

Afterword

Revisions and Revolts: Identity Politics and Theory:Introduction

Feminist and Gender Theory

Critical Race Theory

Lesbian, Gay, and Queer Theory

Colonial Discourse Studies

Afterword

Revisions and Revolts: Theories of World Order:Introduction

From Nation to Global Order

Global Capitalism

The Return of Empire?

Epilogue: Social Theory Today

Index

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