Central Problems In Social Theory: Action, Structure And Contradiction In Social Analysis (contemporary Social Theory)

In this new and brilliantly organized book of essays, Anthony Giddens discusses three main theoretical traditions in social science that cut across the division between Marxist and non-Marxist sociology: interpretive sociology, functionalism, and structuralism. Beginning with a critical examination of the importance of structuralism for contemporary sociology, the author develops a comprehensive account of what he calls "the theory of structuration." One of the main themes is that social theory must recognize, as it has not done hitherto, that all social actors are knowledgeable about the social systems they produce and reproduce in their conduct. In order to grasp the significance of this, he argues, we have to reconsider some of the most basic concepts in sociology. In particular, Giddens argues, it is essential to recognize the significance of time-space relations in social theory. He rejects the distinction between synchrony and diachrony, or statics and dynamics, involved in both structuralism and functionalism, and offers extensive critical commentary on the latter as an approach to sociology. The book, which can be described as a "non-functionalist manifesto," breaks with the three main theoretical traditions in the social sciences today while retaining the significant contributions each contains. In so doing Giddens discusses a range of fundamental problem areas in the social sciences: power and domination, conflict and contradiction, and social transformation. He concludes with an overall appraisal of the key problems in social theory today. This ebook is now available from Bloomsbury Academic. Bloomsbury Academic publish acclaimed resources for undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a broad range of subjects including Art & Visual Culture, Biblical Studies, Business & Management, Drama & Performance Studies, Economics, Education, Film & Media, History, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Philosophy, Politics & International Relations, Religious Studies, Social Work & Social Welfare, Study Skills and Theology. Visit bloomsbury.com for more information. Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction....Pages 1-8 Structuralism and the Theory of the Subject....Pages 9-48 Agency, Structure....Pages 49-95 Institutions, Reproduction, Socialisation....Pages 96-130 Contradiction, Power, Historical Materialism....Pages 131-164 Ideology and Consciousness....Pages 165-197 Time, Space, Social Change....Pages 198-233 The Prospects for Social Theory Today....Pages 234-259 Back Matter....Pages 261-294