Essential concepts in sociology
/ Anthony Giddens & Philip W. Sutton.
- 3rd ed.
- vii, 241 pages ; 24 cm
Revised edition of the author's Essential concepts in sociology, 2017.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Thinking sociologically -- Doing sociology -- Environment and urbanism -- Structures of society -- Unequal life chances -- Relationships and the life course -- Interaction and communication -- Health, illness and the body -- Crime and social control -- Political sociology
Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, contemporary sociology is a theoretically diverse enterprise, covering a huge range of subjects and drawing on a broad array of research methods. Central to this endeavour is the use of core concepts and ideas which allow sociologists to make sense of societies, though our understanding of these concepts necessarily evolves and changes.
This clear and jargon-free book introduces a careful selection of essential concepts that have helped to shape sociology and continue to do so. Going beyond brief, dictionary-style definitions, Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton provide an extended discussion of each concept which sets it in historical and theoretical context, explores its main meanings in use, introduces relevant criticisms, and points readers to its ongoing development in contemporary research and theorizing.
Organized in ten thematic sections, the book offers a portrait of sociology through its essential concepts, ranging from capitalism, identity and deviance to the digital revolution, environment, postcolonialism and intersectionality. It will be essential reading for all those new to sociology as well as anyone seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world.