This exciting new reader brings together some of the best recent sociological writing on British society. The volume features carefully selected extracts from books and journals, which have been chosen for the high quality of their sociological analysis and their relevance to understanding social change.

The first book--length study of Cornel West, one of Americaa s foremost public intellectuals. Outlines the main themes of his thought and discusses all of his major works, which span philosophy, politics, theology and Afrocan America Studies.

aeo A wide--ranging analysis of theories of crime and their relevance today. aeo Develops a new approach to crime from a perspective informed by social theory, arguing that crime must be analyzed in its social context and in relation the changes brought about by the development of markets and market relations in contemporary societies.

In 1760 no polity in the world was democratic in any way we would now recognize. In 1995 there were democratic states on every continent and in every region. The struggle to create, sustain, and entrench democratic political systems is one of the central narratives of modernity.

Provides an invaluable introduction to the concerns and controversies surrounding disability and disability studies. The arguments presented in this book have important political and policy implications for both disabled and non--disabled people. Contains contributions from established figures, as well as newcomers to the field.