Social Theory Now
The landscape of social theory has changed significantly over the three decades since the publication of Anthony Giddens and Jonathan Turner's seminal "Social Theory Today". Sociologists in the twenty-first century desperately need a new agenda centered around central questions of social theory. In "Social Theory Now", Claudio E. Benzecry, Monika Krause, and Isaac Ariail Reed set a new course for sociologists, bringing together contributions from the most distinctive?sociological?traditions?in an ambitious survey of where social theory is today and where it might be going.
The book?provides a strategic window onto social theory based on current research, examining trends in classical traditions and the cutting edge of more recent approaches. From distinctive theoretical positions, contributors address questions about?how social order is accomplished; the role of materiality, practice, and meaning; as well as the conditions for the knowledge of the social world. The theoretical traditions presented include cultural sociology, microsociologies, world-system theory and post-colonial theory, gender and feminism, actor network and network theory, systems theory, field theory, rational choice, poststructuralism, pragmatism, and the sociology of conventions. Each chapter introduces a tradition and presents an agenda for further theoretical development".Social Theory Now" is an essential tool for sociologists. It will be central to the discussion and teaching of contemporary social theory?for years to come.
About the Author
Isaac Ariail Reed is associate professor of sociology at the University of Virginia.
Monika Krause teaches sociology at the London School of Economics.
Claudio E. Benzecry is associate professor of communication studies and sociology (by courtesy) at Northwestern University.
Reviews
"The world needs good social theory now more than ever, and this book is a great beginning. The ideas and arguments are young and fresh, ready to be incorporated as well as further developed by readers from all over the world and with different interests. 'Social Theory Now' is perfect for use in undergraduate courses in all of the social sciences – from sociology to economics" – Richard Swedberg, Cornell University
"Benzecry, Krause, and Reed represent a new generation of social theorists who are ready to think things afresh. This generation isn't parricidal, but it does have new preoccupations, tools, and sensibilities. 'Social Theory Now' fruitfully rethinks the most important problems of social theory and shows why they should be important to us, now, in 2017. This is an agenda-setting book" – Gabriel Abend, New York University
"This fine collection of essays in social theory accounts the need for sociology to be outward rather than inward looking; the authors engage with issues broadly spanning the social sciences and humanities. The book will set a standard for social thought in this generation" – Richard Sennett, London School of Economics
"The title says it all! This timely collection of essays sparked by Benzecry, Krause, and Reed makes a compelling case for renewing sociological theory today. Bold and conversational, deep yet accessible, Social Theory Now offers readers a wonderful entree into the next stage of thinking about the future of social life" – Julia P. Adams, Yale University
