New Social Theory Reader

This is the first anthology to thematize the dramatic upward and downward shifts that have created the new social theory, and to present this new and exciting body of work in a thoroughly trans-disciplinary manner. It is also the only approach to place the ideas of leading theorists directly into dialogue with one another, while establishing the broad thematic commonalities that tie them together. In this deeply revised second edition readers are provided with a much greater range of thinkers and perspectives, including new sections on such issues as imperialism, power, civilization clash, health, and performance. The first section sets out the main schools of contemporary thought, from Habermas and Honneth on New Critical Theory, to Jameson and Hall on Cultural Studies, and Foucault and Bourdieu on poststructuralism. The sections that follow trace theory debates as they become more issues-based and engaged: The post-foundational debates over morality, justice and epistemological truth The social meaning of nationalism, multiculturalism, globalization Identity debates around gender, sexuality, race, the self, and post-coloniality. This new edition provides more ample biographical and intellectual introductions to each thinker, and substantial introductions to each of the major sections. It has been finely tuned to ensure readers have the best access to the most recent developments in social theory. The editors introduce the volume with a newly revised interpretive overview of social theory today which, in the previous edition, was recognised as a major intervention in the contemporary intellectual field. The New Social Theory Reader is an essential, reliable guide to current theoretical debates.Alexander, Jeffrey is the author of 'New Social Theory Reader', published 2008 under ISBN 9780415437707 and ISBN 0415437709.