"Reflecting emerging research and ongoing reassessments of social theory, The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Major Social Theorists offers significant updates and revisions to the original Blackwell Companion published a decade ago. Volume I: Major Classical Theorists presents 18 comprehensive essays on social theorists writing in the classical tradition, more than half all-new for this Companion, written by some of the most eminent contemporary scholars in their field. In addition to detailing the make-up and development of specific social theories, each essay places the theorist and their ideas in personal, social, and historical context; and integrates the most current scholarship to offer assessments as to their continuing relevance. Well-known theorists such as Comte, Spencer, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Mead, Schutz, and Parsons are represented, as well as theorists historically excluded from the sociological canon, including Ibn Khaldun, Martineau, Gilman, and Du Bois. Other essays consider a set of classical theorists chosen for their particular relevance to contemporary theory: de Tocqueville on democracy, Schumpeter on capitalism, Mannheim on the sociology of knowledge, Veblen on consumer society, and Adorno on cultural theory. Edited by one of the most renowned figures in social theory, the Wiley-Blackwell Companion is an indispensable resource and reference to the life and times of the classical thinkers and their relevance to modern theorists and today's social world"--

"Few issues attract greater concern and censure thatn those that surround youth 'gangs'. Paradoxically, youth researchers have conventionally been reluctant to even use the term 'gang' but, more recently, such reluctance has receded. Indeed, it is increasingly claimed that - in particular urban 'territories' - youth gangs are commonplace, some young people are deeply immersed in violence and the carrying and use of weapons (particularly knives and firearms) is routine. Comprising a series of essays from leading national and international researchers, this book subjects such claims to rigorous critical scrutiny. It provides a challenging and authoritative account of complex questions pertaining to urban youth identities, crime and social order. This book: - Locates the question of 'gangs' in both historical and contemporary contexts; - Engages a spectrum of theoretical perspectives and analytical positions; - Presents and analyses cutting-edge empirical research; - Addresses a range of previously neglected questions, including those pertaining to girls, young women and 'gangs'. The volume provides a vital resource for researchers, educators, policy-makers and practitioners with an interest in key questions facing criminology, sociology and social policy"--

A strong emphasis has been placed on creating a productive mixture of classic and contemporary readings which is highly readable and lively, yet remains challenging. Whilst particularly useful as a companion to the sixth edition of Giddensʹs Sociology, the reader is designed for use independently or alongside other textbooks. The reader maintains the distinctive approach which Sociology pioneered: strongly comparative and historically informed, it stresses the influence of globalizing trends in social life. The carefully selected readings range from studies of face-to-face interaction through to the analysis of large-scale global systems, and cover sociological theories of society as well as research methods. Amongst the new selections in this volume are readings on the Internet and virtual communities, the impact of ecological thinking and climate change on social science, offshoring and the future of work, global cities, patriarchy and shifting gender relations, intersecting social inequalities, the idea and practice of restorative justice, new forms of cybercrime, war, terrorism and the prospects for a global cosmopolitan democracy. The readings are arranged in ten thematic sections and each section is preceded by a summary in order to facilitate studentsʹ comprehension and critical reflection. The result is an exciting new text that encompasses the major themes and debates in both classical and contemporary sociology. Sociology: Introductory Readings will be an essential resource for anyone who wishes to engage with the scope of sociological thought today. -- Back cover.

"This unique introductory textbook is a complete overview of Religious Studies, providing students with the essential knowledge and tools they need to explore and understand the nature of religion. In a lively and engaging way, the authors draw together the main elements of Religious Studies, allowing the reader to develop an integrated understanding of religion. The book provides: * An overview of the roles of religion in society; an account of the historic development of Religious Studies, and an introduction to some of the major theories and methods -- the tools -- used in the study of religion * An exploration of the diversity of world religions through overviews of some of the early religions; the family of Western monotheisms (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam); Indian traditions (Hinduism and Buddhism); Chinese traditions (Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist); and less familiar religions such as Zoroastrianism, Shinto, and Native American religion * The impact of Religious Studies and the natural sciences on religion, exploring issues such as developments in scriptural studies, feminist and liberation theology, evolutionism vs. creationism, and ongoing debates about the future of religion in modern society The attractive design, lively text, numerous illustrations, side bars, text boxes, questions and activities all make The Religion Toolkit an exciting and thought-provoking book to use. "--Provided by publisher.