基本説明
This short text introduces social theory as a set of flexible and practical concepts that can be used to reflect on and make sense of social behaviour.
Full Description
This accessible text introduces social theory as a set of flexible and practical concepts that can be used to reflect on and make sense of social behaviour. It encourages readers to critically assess social explanations and to construct their own as active theorists in their own right. Drawing on examples chosen to appeal to a wide, international student readership, it offers a straightforward, practical and student-centred approach to theory, avoiding the heavy emphasis on individual theorists and the often difficult language of many existing texts.
Contents
Preface and Acknowledgements List of Main Examples Introduction: The Tool Kit PART I: THE CONCEPT OF THE INDIVIDUAL What Do Individuals Explain? Testing the Explanatory Value of Individuals PART II: THE CONCEPT OF NATURE What Does Nature Explain? Testing the Explanatory Value of Nature PART III: THE CONCEPT OF CULTURE What Does Culture Explain? Testing the Explanatory Value of Culture PART IV: THE CONCEPT OF ACTION What Does Action Explain? Testing the Explanatory Value of Action PART V: THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE What Does Social Structure Explain? Testing the Explanatory Value of Social Structure PART VI: CONCLUSION Get Real: A Perspective on Social Science Being Practical: The Uses and Payoffs of Social Explanation Appendix: Do it Yourself; Using the Tool Kit to Develop Your Own Hypotheses Glossary Bibliography and Guide to Further Reading Index
