Contemporary Sociological Theory

Steven Loyal · Sinisa Malesevic

Oct 2020 · SAGE

About this ebook

Introducing you to the most important thinkers and schools of thought in contemporary sociological theory – from Parsons and Merton to the Frankfurt School to Foucault, Bourdieu, Giddens and Hochschild – this accessible textbook firmly locates key ideas in social, political and historical context. By doing so, it helps you to understand the development of central sociological concepts and how they can help us understand the contemporary world.

The book includes:

• Lively biographical sections so you can get to know each thinker
• Clear and easy-to-understand accounts of each theorist’s arguments - and the most common criticisms
• Key concept boxes highlighting the most influential ideas

This comprehensive textbook brings the diverse field of contemporary sociological theory to life. Essential reading for all students of Sociology and Sociological Theory.

About the author

Steven Loyal is an Associate Professor in Sociology at University College Dublin

Sinisa Malesevic is Professor and Head/Chair of UCD School of Sociology. Previously, he held research and teaching appointments at the Institute for International Relations (Zagreb), the Centre for the Study of Nationalism, CEU (Prague) and at the National University of Ireland, Galway. He also held visiting research fellowships at the London School of Economics and the Institute for Human Sciences (Vienna). He is also a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. Professor Malesevic is a comparative historical and political sociologist whose main research interests include the study of war and organized violence, ethnicity and nationalism, ideology, as well as sociological theory. He has authored six books and has edited or co-edited another five volumes. He has also authored over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.