The third edition of this popular and established core textbook provides an invaluable guide to 24 of the most influential thinkers in Sociology. Written by leading academics in the field, Key Sociological Thinkers provides a clear and contextualised introduction to classical and contemporary theory. Each chapter offers an insightful assessment of a different theorist, exploring their lives, works and legacies, and in a much-valued 'Seeing Things Differently' section authors demonstrate how each thinker's ideas can be used to illuminate aspects of social life in new ways. With frameworks for deep learning around group discussion, this continues be an essential text for undergraduate and postgraduate modules on sociological and social theory. New to this Edition: - Four new chapters, on Mead, Du Bois, Latour and Alexander - Five chapters by new authors on existing key thinkers: Durkheim, Merton, Goffman, Bourdieu, and Giddens - A major new introduction - An updated, structured and annotated 'Further Reading' section for each thinker - Extended accounts of 13 additional thinkers who have influenced, or been influenced by, the key thinkers

'In this remarkable collection of essays, Holton and Turner demonstrate that Parsonian sociology addresses the most central problems of our time - issues of sickness and health, power and inequality, the nature of capitalism and its possible alternatives. They develop a mature and original perspective on Parsons as the only classical theorist who avoided crippling nostalgia. Holton and Turner not only talk about Parsonian sociology in a profound and insightful way, they do it, and do it well. As sociology moves away from the rigid dichotomies of earlier debate, this book will help point the way.' - Jeffrey Alexander, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Sociology, UCLA

Does globalization mean the end of the nation state? Or are nation states able to respond to processes of global change? This impressively comprehensive book examines the connections and conflicts that exist between global and national processes, institutions and cultures.Debating and explaining controversial and contested understandings of globalization, the second edition has new content on: * Hot and timely topics, from human rights and migration to new technologies and environmental sustainability
* Connections between globalization and global events, including the rise of China, the financial crisis and 9/11
* Interdisciplinary insights from sociology, political science and economics Thought-provoking and easy to follow, this text will give students across the social sciences a thorough understanding of the history, theories and debates of globalization.

'In this remarkable collection of essays, Holton and Turner demonstrate that Parsonian sociology addresses the most central problems of our time - issues of sickness and health, power and inequality, the nature of capitalism and its possible alternatives. They develop a mature and original perspective on Parsons as the only classical theorist who avoided crippling nostalgia. Holton and Turner not only talk about Parsonian sociology in a profound and insightful way, they do it, and do it well. As sociology moves away from the rigid dichotomies of earlier debate, this book will help point the way.' - Jeffrey Alexander, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Sociology, UCLA

Robert Holton argues that the relationship between economy and society is one of mutual dependence, in which political and cultural arrangements influence the functioning of economic life, just as much as economic contingencies influence the shape of politics and culture. This argument is pursued by means of a critical historical survey of major social scientific traditions, including economic liberalism and political economy. The author moves on to discuss the differentiation and re-integration of economy and society,the viability of the market as an economic institution, the centrality of power in economic life, the significance of economic values and economic culture and the globalization of economy and society.

Robert Holton argues that the relationship between economy and society is one of mutual dependence, in which political and cultural arrangements influence the functioning of economic life, just as much as economic contingencies influence the shape of politics and culture. This argument is pursued by means of a critical historical survey of major social scientific traditions, including economic liberalism and political economy. The author moves on to discuss the differentiation and re-integration of economy and society, the viability of the market as an economic institution, the centrality of power in economic life, the significance of economic values and economic culture, and the globalization of economy and society.

What causes global inequality? Why should we be concerned about it? Is inequality getting worse or are there signs of improvement and progress? This critical analysis of the current state of global inequality pushes beyond ideological prejudice and simplistic explanations, to address these important questions. Offering a distinctive response to the many challenges in the area, the text presents a holistic account of inequality by: - Taking a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating perspectives from sociology, politics and economics; - Recognising the influence of historical trends on inequality today; - And viewing inequality from a global perspective, as well as a national one. Drawing on major theories of inequality and up-to-date evidence, Robert J. Holton guides readers through the complex issues at hand, making this text a valuable resource for students of sociology, global studies, politics and development studies.

The third edition of this popular and established core textbook provides an invaluable guide to 24 of the most influential thinkers in Sociology. Written by leading academics in the field, Key Sociological Thinkers provides a clear and contextualised introduction to classical and contemporary theory. Each chapter offers an insightful assessment of a different theorist, exploring their lives, works and legacies, and in a much-valued 'Seeing Things Differently' section authors demonstrate how each thinker's ideas can be used to illuminate aspects of social life in new ways. With frameworks for deep learning around group discussion, this continues be an essential text for undergraduate and postgraduate modules on sociological and social theory. New to this Edition: - Four new chapters, on Mead, Du Bois, Latour and Alexander - Five chapters by new authors on existing key thinkers: Durkheim, Merton, Goffman, Bourdieu, and Giddens - A major new introduction - An updated, structured and annotated 'Further Reading' section for each thinker - Extended accounts of 13 additional thinkers who have influenced, or been influenced by, the key thinkers Accompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/key-sociological-3e. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

Does globalization mean the end of the nation state? Or are nation states able to respond to processes of global change? This impressively comprehensive book examines the connections and conflicts that exist between global and national processes, institutions and cultures.Debating and explaining controversial and contested understandings of globalization, the second edition has new content on: * Hot and timely topics, from human rights and migration to new technologies and environmental sustainability
* Connections between globalization and global events, including the rise of China, the financial crisis and 9/11
* Interdisciplinary insights from sociology, political science and economics Thought-provoking and easy to follow, this text will give students across the social sciences a thorough understanding of the history, theories and debates of globalization.