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"Politics and Power offers a lively and up-to-date overview of classic and contemporary debates in an important sub-area of the discipline. As with other titles in the series, it provides both a careful blend of theory, evidence and examples and a stimulating array of exercises and activities for the student to apply and reinforce their understanding. Covering issues and debates ranging from theories of power, the state and nationalism to voting patterns, political ideologies, and the role of direct action in political processes, it is an ideal starting-point for any student wishing to gain a strong basic grounding in political sociology"--Provided by publisher

Family structures have become increasingly diverse over recent decades. Examining contemporary theory alongside key terms and concepts, this new edition explores issues of intimacy, parenting, cohabitation and media representations. This book provides an in-depth look at the role of the family in society for all students of sociology.

Cover -- Contents -- List of Figures and Tables -- Acknowledgements -- 1 Introduction -- The philosophy behind the book -- What are culture and identity? -- The importance and origins of culture and identity -- Using the skills of sociology -- Exam focus -- Study guidance -- Using concept maps -- The content of the book -- 2 Key Issues in the Study of Culture and Identity -- Introduction -- What is culture? -- What is identity? -- Attempts to define culture -- Non-sociological uses of the concept of culture -- Socialization, norms and values -- Evaluating the concept of culture: three problems -- Understanding the concept of identity: do not lose sight of the individual -- Conclusion -- 3 Classical Views on Culture and Identity -- Introduction -- Introducing two classical views on culture -- View one: culture as order - functionalism -- View two: culture as ideological control - Marxism -- Conclusion -- 4 The Development of 'Action' Sociology and Interactionists -- Introduction -- The role of meanings and motives in society -- Georg Simmel -- Contemporary forms of action sociology -- Conclusion -- 5 Socialization, Self-Identity and the Life Course -- Introduction -- Socialization -- Self-identity and the map of one's life -- The life course -- Age and ageing -- Returning to the relationship between the individual and society -- Conclusion -- 6 How Much Agency Do Individuals Have in Culture? -- Introduction -- Thinking using culture: the creative self -- Clarifying what is meant by 'agency' -- Reflexivity -- Conclusion -- 7 Modern and Postmodern Culture and Identity -- Introduction -- What is modernity? -- What is postmodernity? -- Postmodern identities -- Evaluation of postmodernism -- Theories of risk -- Conclusion -- 8 Mass Culture and Popular Culture -- Introduction -- Basic definitions -- The 'mass society thesis'.