This book traces a unique story of social theory: one which focuses on its role in offering ideas for alternative societies.

An intelligent and engaging exploration of the continuing relevance of both classical and contemporary social theory in today's world.

Social theory lets us understand the full complexity of the world we live - this book explains how.

This new volume in the Social Thinkers series serves as an introduction to the life, work, and ideas of Erving Goffman.

Joining the SAGE Social Thinkers series, this book provides readers with a clear and concise introduction and includes coverage of Weber's insights on the promise and peril of Western industrial society, and of his The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism and Economy and Society.

This invaluable textbook will give you the skills and knowledge required for carrying out research projects in 'the field'.

Gives readers a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought. This book includes key theories that are integrated with biographical sketches of theorists, and are placed in their historical and intellectual context.

Sociologists' Tales brings together the thoughts and experiences of key UK sociologists from different generations of British sociology in reflecting on why they have chosen a career in sociology, how they have managed to do it and what advice they would offer the next generation.

This introductory text offers students an account of key debates and issues in the discipline of sociology from a range of experts in the field. It explores sociological understandings of a range of core topics and critically examines what key issues have emerged for debate from research.

The aim of this text is to offer a broad based and sound academic guide to those studying sociology at the pre-university stage and / or during their university studies. It is also intended to assist the inquisitive mature reader to adopt a reflective and insightful outlook on society through the lens of sociological theories and concepts.

A new edition of a seminal textbook that offers an up-to-date, concise and theoretically and empirically informed introduction to the core issues in the sociology of health and health care.

Part of the popular Big Ideas series, this book introduces you to the subject that tells you all about what society is and what makes it tick. It includes over 80 ideas from the world's renowned sociologists, covering topics as diverse as issues of equality, diversity, identity and human rights; the effects of globalization; and more.

Sociology is a key topic for all trainee health professionals, but many struggle to see what sociology has to offer. Based on years of experience teaching sociology to healthcare students, this title explains the main sociological concepts without jargon or becoming too advanced.

Mary Holmes shows how an optimistic sociology can help us think about and understand social problems and positive social change. The perfect companion and/or antidote to studying sociology.

Examines links between schooling and the modern workplace, from a sociological perspective. This book combines and analyzes theory and studies in the sociology of education and the sociology of work. It includes case studies to illustrate conclusions drawn from a combined study of education and work.

Ann Oakley analysed the perceptions of 40 urban housewives around housework, their feelings of monotony and fragmentation, the length of their working week, the importance of standards and routines, and their attitudes to different household tasks. This classic book paved the way for the sociological study of many more aspects of women's lives.

What can Sociology tell us about our personal lives, families and intimate relationships? Each chapter explores a familiar topic that illustrates how individual relationships and lives can be shaped by social contexts, and how personal choices shape the wider social world.

This volume provides students with the essential readings for understanding the dominant issues in the sociology of the family. The editor presents the reader with a collection of important writings that include recent and currently relevant material as well as the rich variety of empirical work conducted in this field.

The new edition of this essential resource covers new and completely up-to-date sociological teaching, with the latest research, empirical studies and theoretical developments, includes new Chapter 'Development and Globalisation'.

A wide selection of real-world excercises give students hands-on experience in approaching issues sociologically.