Search results

The studies which comprise this book are essentially organized around a critical encounter with European social theory in its ''classical period'' - i.e. from the middle years of the nineteenth century until the First World War - and have the aim of working out some of the implications of that encounter for the position and prospects of the social sciences today. The issues involved relate to the following series of problems: method and epistemology; social development and transformation; the origins of ''sociology'' in nineteenth-century social theory; and the status of social science as crit

This book provides an interpretation of one of the key aspects of Max Weber's work: the relationship between his political and sociological writings. Weber's sociological studies have often been treated as if they were completely separate from his political attitudes and interests, and in general his political writings have remained less well-known than his sociological work. The book contains three main sections. The first of these analyses the principal concerns underlying Weber's political assessment of the prospective development of post-Bismarckian Germany. The second examines some of the way in which these views channelled his interests in sociology and influences his studies of capitalism, authority and religion. Finally, the third main section 'reverses' this perspective, showing how his conceptions of sociology and social philosophy in turn influenced the evolution of his assessment of German politics. ANTHONY GIDDENS is the former director of the London School of Economics and Political Science, and is now a member of the House of Lords. He is one of the most influential sociologists and social theorists in the world today, and his many books include The Third Wayand The Consequences of Modernity.

The social sciences have long been based upon contrasts drawn between the 'militaristic' societies of the past, and the 'capitalist' or 'industrial' societies of the present. But how valid are such contrasts, given that the current era is one stamped by the impact of war and by the intensive development of sophisticated weaponry? In setting out to address this and similar questions, this book investigates issues that have been substantially neglected by those working in sociology and social theory. Anthony Giddens offers a sociological analysis of the nature of the modern nation-state and its

The idea of finding a 'third way' in politics has been widely discussed over recent months - not only in the UK, but in the US, Continental Europe and Latin America. But what is the third way? Supporters of the notion haven't been able to agree, and critics deny the possibility altogether. Anthony Giddens shows that developing a third way is not only a possibility but a necessity in modern politics.

The idea of finding a 'third way' in politics has become a focus of discussion across the world. Political leaders, in the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America claim to be following its principles. Yet the notion has also attracted much criticism. Some say it is an empty concept without any real content. Critics from the more traditional left argue that it is a betrayal of left-wing ideals. Anthony Giddens's The Third Way (Polity Press, 1998) is regarded by many as the key text of third way politics. Translated into twenty-five languages, it has shaped the development of the third way. In this new book Giddens responds to the critics, and further develops the ideas set out in his earlier volume. Far from being unable to deal with inequalities of wealth and power, he shows, third way politics offers the only feasible approach to these issues. The work is indispensable for anyone who wants to understand the most important political debate going on today. Anthony Giddens is the Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is the author or editor of over thirty books. His previous works, especially Beyond Left and Right (Polity Press, 1994) have influenced debates about the future of social democracy in many countries across the world. Frequently referred to in the UK as Tony Blair's guru, Giddens has made a strong impact on the evolution of New Labour. Anthony Giddens is Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Anthony Giddens Soziologie gilt weltweit als das Einführungswerk in das gleichnamige Fach. Gekennzeichnet durch hohe Lesbarkeit und eine für Lehrbücher ungemeine Aktualität und Zeitbezogenheit, hat es diesen Ruf auch zu Recht: Man wird förmlich in das Werk hineingezogen; der Autor führt einen Dialog mit der LeserIn Waren Sie schon einmal verliebt?, in dem zuerst einmal in groben Zügen die Geschichte der Soziologie präsentiert wird. Danach wird es immer spezifischer: Über Kultur, Gesellschaft und Individuum und Gesellschaftstypen führt der Dialog weiter zu Geschlecht und Sexualität, Körper und Familie, um schliesslich Moderne Organisationen, Massenmedien, Arbeit und Wirtschaftsleben oder den Globalen Wandel und die Umweltkrise zu diskutieren. Immer wird dabei mit plastischen Bildern gearbeitet, und immer hat man als LeserIn den Eindruck, mittendrin und dabei zu sein was die Lektüre des Buches zu einem beeindruckenden Gespräch über Soziologie macht und den Lerneffekt garantiert