Full Description
In this remarkable book, Anthony Elliott develops a wide-ranging analysis of key issues and debates in contemporary social theory. Drawing social theory, cultural studies, and psychoanalysis together in a bold configuration, Elliott challenges the widespread view that social theory seems to have lost its way as a result of the diversification of conceptual approaches. In outlining an approach that places imagination and creativity at the center of social theory, Elliott argues that theoretical pluralism-from post-structuralism to postmodernism, from psychoanalysis to deconstruction-represents not the demise, but the renewal of critical social theory. Elliott opens with critical readings of the terrain of contemporary social theory and theorists, among them Ulrich Beck, Anthony Giddens, Jurgen Habermas, Jacques Lacan, Cornelius Castoriadis, and Julia Kristeva. He follows with an analysis of key debates in critical social theory. Questions relating to the globalization of risk, citizenship, morality and ethics, politics and norms, and sexuality and desire are all explored. This book is essential reading for students seeking a broad understanding of the confluence of sociology, social theory, politics, and cultural studies.
Contents
Chapter 1 Preface and Acknowledgements Chapter 2 Introduction: Interdisciplinary Studies and the Fortunes of Sociology Chapter 3 Part One: Interventions in Contemporary Social Theory Chapter 4 Risk and Reflexivity: Ulrich Beck Chapter 5 Social Theory and Politics in the Writings of Anthony Giddens Chapter 6 Jacques Lacan as Social Theorist Chapter 7 Subjectivity, Culture, Autonomy: Cornelius Castoriadis Chapter 8 Habermas, Kristeva and Global Transformations in the Public Sphere Chapter 9 Part Two: Key Issues in Contemporary Social Theory Chapter 10 Sexualities: Social Theory and the Crisis of Identity Chapter 11 The Reinvention of Citizenship Chapter 12 Politics and Social Theory Chapter 13 Social Theory, Morality and Ethics Chapter 14 References
