Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure, and Contradiction in Social Analysis
by Anthony Giddens
- Used
- near fine
- Paperback
- Condition
- Near Fine
- ISBN 10
- 0520039750
- ISBN 13
- 9780520039759
- Seller
-
Hendersonville, North Carolina, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
California: University of California Press, 1979. paperback. Near Fine. 5x0x8. PAPERBACK. Bright red cover with brown and ivory text. 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. 294pp.<br><br>CONDITION: Covers are lightly rubbed. Previous owner's name on front flyleaf. Pages are crisp and clean. Binding and textblock are tight. Full refund if not satisfied.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Shelley and Son Books (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 071788
- Title
- Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure, and Contradiction in Social Analysis
- Author
- Anthony Giddens
- Format/Binding
- Paperback
- Book Condition
- Used - Near Fine
- Quantity Available
- 1
- ISBN 10
- 0520039750
- ISBN 13
- 9780520039759
- Publisher
- University of California Press
- Place of Publication
- California
- Date Published
- 1979
- Size
- 5x0x8
- Keywords
- sociology, functionalism, structuration
- Bookseller catalogs
- Social Science;
- X weight
- 12 oz
Terms of Sale
Shelley and Son Books
I offer a full refund if not satisfied as long as the book is returned in the same condition as sent.
About the Seller
Shelley and Son Books
Biblio member since 2005
Hendersonville, North Carolina
About Shelley and Son Books
We specialize in books by and about C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, the Inklings, and their Friends.
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- New
- A new book is a book previously not circulated to a buyer. Although a new book is typically free of any faults or defects, "new"...
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
- Crisp
- A term often used to indicate a book's new-like condition. Indicates that the hinges are not loosened. A book described as crisp...
- Tight
- Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.