Sociology - Softcover

Giddens, Anthony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745618030 ISBN 13: 9780745618036

Publisher: Polity Press, 1997

Synopsis

Sociology is the leading introduction to its field in the world today.

The Third Edition preserves the lucidity, liveliness and comprehensive quality which marked the book in its earlier versions. Yet much of the text in this edition is completely new. All the empirical materials have been brought up to date. There are many fresh sections, covering issues ranging from ethnic struggles and changes in class structure through to eating disorders and the expanding impact of information technology. Recent developments in social theory are also incorporated. New chapters include ′The Sociology of the Body′, ′Mass Media′ and ′Popular Culture′, and ′The Sociology of Education′.

The book is strongly comparative, stressing as it does the essential influence of globalizing influences upon social life.

Numerous student learning aids are provided, as well as many figures and diagrams. As a result, Sociology is a state–of–the–art account of the subject.

Written by an author of international reputation, the book combines originality and accessibility in an indispensable textbook for all beginning students in sociology.

About this title

Review:

"This revised edition is better designed and presented with clearer summaries, stronger sets of important terms and extensive further reading lists teachers and students trying to gain an idea of the changes are unlikely to find a better place to start. An accompanying reader, Sociology: Introductory Readings, and an Instructor′s Manual written by Eric Harrison and Sue Hemmings (which is issued free to those who adopt Sociology) strengthen the central text further and clearly increase its classroom usefulness. [The books] encourage an active approach to sociology and innovative teaching and will be welcomed by all who want to make the study of sociology, in Giddens′s phrase, ′a liberating experience′ and, no doubt, an enjoyable one too." The Times Educational Supplement

"At last, here it is: the introduction to sociology that shows that the discipline can be both exciting and rewarding. A brilliant work." Ulrich Beck

"This classic textbook clarifies and classifies much of end–of–millennium sociology but also illustrates some of the emerging issues that will affect us all beyond 2000. It will be the student′s standby, the lecturer′s crib and, I suspect, a tempting window on a new world of ideas for partners and parents." Ray Pahl, Emeritus Professor at the University of Kent at Canterbury and Visiting Professor at the University of Essex

"Giddens never stops looking for improvements, and sociology has to reflect the increasing pace of social change. The result is a much revised third edition of his Sociology. Lecturers will recognize the immense skill in his crafting of a text from the most recent research, while students will appreciate how he writes directly for them. This textbook is a superbly constructed bridge between the academic discipline and what is happening in the modern world." Professor Martin Albrow, Roehampton Institute London

"This substantially revised edition is not only a joy to read but to look at. The introduction of well–chosen pictures brings additional poignancy to this impressive sociology text." Barbara Adam, University of Wales, Cardiff

"It is difficult to imagine social–scientific thought and practice in Britain and much of Continental Europe without the distinctive contribution of Anthony Giddens. His prolific work has the unique merit of tying together the rich tradition of modern social thought with the challenges of whatever is new and unprecedented in what he has called the "late modern" or "post–traditional" world." Times Literary Supplement

"Not only is this a book written by our most eminent colleague, it has become the world–wide best–seller of its ilk. Giddens of course, is not just an exceptional teacher, he is also an exceptional theorist. In the preface to the 3rd edition, the author hopes for a ′state–of–the–art introductory text′ and he has delivered just that ... the new book is a treasure–trove of figures, pictures, charts and cartoons which make it a pleasure to read and irresistable to dip into." BSA Network

′One of the classic A–level texts. Giddens has a well–developed, almost conversational, style that stands out amongst the older style of textbook ... Its strength is Giddens′ obvious enthusiasm for Sociology and his ability to write clearly and knowledgeably about his subject. Unlike most texts at this level, Giddens′ always strikes me as someone who has written a textbook because he wants to communicate his interest to the reader, not because there′s a syllabus to be covered.′ Sociology Central

Synopsis:

Much of the text in this edition is new. All the empirical materials have been brought up to date. There are many new sections, covering issues ranging from ethnic struggles and changes in class structure through to eating disorders and the expanding impact of information technology. Recent developments in social theory are also incorporated. New chapte rs include "The Sociology of the Body", "Mass Media and Popular Culture" and "The Sociology of Education". The book is comparative, stressing as it does the essential influcence of globalizing influences upon social life. Numerous student-learning aids are provided, as well as many figures and diagrams. As a result, the book is comprehensive account of the subject. It should be a useful textbook for all beginning students in sociology.

About this edition

• Publisher: Polity Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0745618030
• ISBN 13: 9780745618036
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 640