Western Sociological Theory (Volume 2)

Author: Yang Shanhua, Xie Lizhong, Editors
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: This book is the second volume of the textbook Western Sociological Theory co-authored by faculty members from the Department of Sociology at Peking University who teach and conduct research in sociological theory. The book primarily represents theories such as Coleman's "Rational Choice Theory," Alexander et al.'s "New Functionalism," Habermas's "Communicative Action Theory," Giddens's structuration theory, Bourdieu's practice theory, Elias's process sociology theory, Beck's "Risk Society" theory, Foucault and Baudrillard's "Postmodernism" theory, and Bauman's theories on modernity and postmodernity. It provides a systematic introduction and critique of various "new synthesis" theories in the field of Western sociological theory since the mid-20th century, as well as sociological theories related to debates on "modernity" and "postmodernism." This book is suitable as a textbook for undergraduate students majoring in sociology, a reference for graduate students, and also for other highly educated readers.