Understanding Social Theory

by Derek Layder

`This is a robust text - challenging and provocative and one which students will benefit from reading. Layder guides the reader through a large body of relevant literature. He draws attention to the strengths and weaknesses of particular approaches as he sees them and he is not afraid to offer his own judgements on the issues and problems he addresses′ - Professor John Eldridge, University of Glasgow `Derek Layder′s Understanding Social Theory , provides one of the most comprehensive, incisive and readable treatments of the macro-micro problem now available′ - Professor Paul Colomy, University of Denver This is a revised, updated and enlarged version of the accessible, authoritative first edition - a jargon-free textbook that provides an introduction to the core issues in social theory. It } chapter previews, summaries and a glossary of key terms; } a ′problem focus′ that encourages students to acquire skills of argument and discussion; } new material on recent developments in social theory; } an entirely new concluding chapter which relates theory to social domains; } relevant examples from everyday life to illustrate key theoretical issues. The book will be essential reading for students in Sociology, Social Psychology, Social Theory, Political Theory and Organization Studies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 1994

Reviews

[Minäpäminä · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the most comprehensive, concise and lucid social theory text book I've encountered so far. Highly recommended, but two features left me wondering. 1) Since the book is so rigidly organized around the dualities of individual-society, agency-structure and micro-macro, what would an introduction to social theory without this structure look like? Don't get me wrong, this was all well and good, I'm just wondering if it's the best way of approaching the subject. But this isn't really a criticism, just something to consider. 2) It did feel a bit hokey that Layder spent the last chapter laying out the superiority of his own theory. Imagine you're in a strange town and ask a local to recommend you a restaurant and they say: "They're all shit except the one I own."

[Jaana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly written despite the rather abstract topic.