Scoping the Social: An Introduction to the Practice of Social Theory - Softcover

Woodiwiss, Anthony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0335216765 ISBN 13: 9780335216765

Publisher: Open University Press, 2005

Synopsis

Social theory is central to the disciplines of sociology, cultural studies, criminology and media studies. Many students, however, find it difficult to relate theory to their other courses, projects, dissertations and theses, let alone imagine themselves producing theory.

In contrast to conventional social theory textbooks that restrict themselves to the description and analysis of theories and what other professionals have said about them, this innovative book shows students how to use, criticise and contribute to the development of theory.

Treating theory as a variety of ‘visual work’ that is intimately connected with the process of empirical investigation, and with the help of clear diagrams and carefully chosen quotations, Part 1 provides an exceptionally clear introduction to the different ways of practicing social theory. Part 2 provides a practical example of how to theorise by producing and demonstrating the effectiveness of a new concept of reflexivity in the course of an outline of the history of the development of social theory since 1945.

This is important reading for students and researchers in sociology and related fields.

About this title

About the Author

Anthony Woodiwiss is Dean of the School of Social Sciences at City University, London. He has taught social theory in many countries or territories, including Japan, Hong Kong, the United States, and Mexico. He is the author of The Visual in Social Theory, Social Theory after Postmodernism and Postmodernity USA, as well as four books on the sociology of human rights.

Edition details

• Publisher: Open University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0335216765
• ISBN 13: 9780335216765
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 190