Description
Originally published in 2003, Critical Visions 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, the book challenges the widespread view that social theory seems to have lost its way as a result of the diversification of conceptual approaches. The book includes critical readings of the terrain of contemporary social theory and theorists. Questions relating to the globalization of risk, citizenship, morality and ethics, politics and norms, and sexuality and desire are all explored.
Table of Contents
The Direction of Social Theory is Always New: Series Editor’s Foreword
Preface and Acknowledgements
Introduction: Interdisciplinary Studies and the Fortunes of Sociology
Part I: Interventions in Contemporary Social Theory
1. Risk and Reflexivity: Ulrich Beck
2. Social Theory and Politics in the Writings of Anthony Giddens
3. Jacques Lacan as a Social Theorist
4. Subjectivity, Culture, Autonomy: Cornelius Castoriadis
5. Habermas, Kristeva, and Global Transformations in the Public Sphere
Part II: Central Issues in Contemporary Social Theory
6. Sexualities: Social Theory and the Crisis of Identity
7. The Reinvention of Citizenship
8. Politics and Social Theory
9. Social Theory, Morality, and Ethics
References
Index
About the Author
