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This article conducts a `critical audit' on the range of theoretical work about television, asking questions about how television has variously been positioned within different political, cultural and social perspectives. After raising some preliminary questions about the nature and status of `theory' in relation to `research', it considers theoretical developments under four headings — representation, institution, medium and process — examining concepts and the use to which they have been put. Among other things, it notes the recent influence of postmodern thinking on the field and the shift towards consumption-focused studies. It concludes by suggesting some of the ways in which theoretical work on television might develop. It is critical of the particular legacy of speculative abstraction (theory as Theory) still observable in the field and recommends both clearer guidelines of theoretical accountability and a stronger relationship with empirical analysis.

James Friedman provides a thorough survey of oligopoly theory using numerical examples and careful verbal explanations to make the ideas clear and accessible. While the earlier ideas of Cournot, Hotelling, and Chamberlin are presented, the larger part of the book is devoted to the modern work on oligopoly that has resulted from the application of dynamic techniques and game theory to this area of economics. The book begins with static oligopoly theory. Cournot's model and its more recent elaborations are covered in the first substantive chapter. Then the Chamberlinian analysis of product differentiation, spatial competition, and characteristics space is set out. The subsequent chapters on modern work deal with reaction functions, advertising, oligopoly with capital, entry, and oligopoly using noncooperative game theory. A large bibliography is provided

Psychodynamic theory, a theory of personality originated by Sigmund Freud, has a long and complex history within social work and continues to be utilized by social workers. This article traces the theory's development and explains key concepts with an emphasis on its current relational focus within object relations
theory and self-psychology. Empirical support for theoretical concepts and the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapies is reviewed and critiqued. Future directions are discussed, including addressing cultural considerations, increasing research, and
emphasizing a relational paradigm

Agency and social structure -- The roots of identity theory -- The development of identity theory -- Identities and their operation -- Meaning, resources, and interaction -- Bases of identities : role, social identities, and person identities -- Multiple identities -- Emotion -- Identity change -- Future research -- Appendix: identity measures

Auditing Theory draws on modern philosophical explanations of rule-governed practices to provide an innovative theory of auditing underpinning auditing practice. A key aim of the book is to identify the objectives of auditing in the context of corporate financial reporting, and to illuminate the underlying beliefs about what kind of practices will fulfil these objectives. It looks to explain how the concepts that are used in developing these practices arise out of the objectives and beliefs, and how the concepts are in turn used to develop and apply the rules that govern auditing practice. Audi.

Traditional game theory requires at least two individuals. This book extends game theory to the inner workings of a single person.Using game theory to analyse single individuals makes sense if one thinks of individuals as consisting of two or more relatively autonomous partitions that might have conflicting motives. This is not to say that individuals are literally made up from multiple selves; it only suffices that we adopt a portrayal of the individual as a multilayered entity or of a dual nature, in a manner similar to Adam Smith's depiction of an ""impartial spectator"" ex.

AbstractCrisis theory provides a sound framework on which intervention can be based. Such theory states that a crisis will occur when a preexisting psychological equilibrium is upset by life events. Intervention aims at bringing about a new equilibrium which involves the most adaptive resolution possible.

Reviews Craig Calhoun's project to revitalize critical sociological theory over a series of books, drawing particularly on his seminal Critical Social Theory (1995). According to Calhoun, the traditional critical theory of the Frankfurt school suffers from a nationalistic & regional orientation & a severe theory-experience disconnect. The original critical theorists also held to a great illusion in the capacity for a proletariat to assume a world-historic mission. Among these problems, the gap between theory & experience is considered most critical by Calhoun, because it has led critical theorists to miss what is happening existentially in modern society. However, Calhoun maintains that critical theory is a central intellectual project because of its fundamental belief that the world contains more possibilities than is realized. It is this sentiment that Calhoun seeks to embed with a contemporary critical theory sufficient to the task of making better worlds. 10 References. D. Ryfe

Part of a review symposium (see related abstracts in SA 44:4) on a book by David Couzens Hoy & Thomas McCarthy, Critical Theory (1994 [see listings in IRPS No. 86]), rebutting criticisms by Richard Rorty & Seyla Benhabib. It is maintained that Rorty fails to see the complexity & ambiguity inherent in critical theory, which emerged at a certain time in response to certain needs, & must constantly be revised as those needs change. Benhabib focuses her criticism on three central topics: the validity, agreement, & solidarity of critical theory. In response to the first, it is asserted that Jurgen Habermas's argument on this point was not complete. Regarding the second, it is maintained that agreement is the goal of all language, & is desirable regardless of the medium by which it is reached. In response to the third, it is argued that differences between interpretations can be recognized without being assimilated. 5 References. M. Wagner

An experienced teacher of courses on the sociology of the family, D.H.J. Morgan frequently encounters a gulf between 'the family' as it is often treated in sociological texts and 'the family' as it is usually experienced. In this book he provides an extremely valuable bridge between the two by presenting an encounter between some of the mainstream theoretical approaches and concerns in the sociology of the family and what he terms as 'critical' perspectives on the family.This is the first British book on a basic social institution that takes into account the literature outside the mainstream o