Social Theory: Central Issues in Sociology

This is a comprehensive, critical review of social theory that places leading contributions in their larger context. Written predominantly for students, the scope and range of the subjects and authors dealt with results in one of the most comprehensive introductions to social theory published to date. Ranging from the philosophical foundations of sociology and the discovery of 'the social' to distinctive sociological approaches, to the significance of issues pertaining to gender and patriarchy, to questions of modernity and post-modernity, the book is comprehensive in subject matter.

'John Scott has provided us with an encyclopaedic tour through the foundations and development of social theory which cautions against the contemporary fragmentation of academic work and demonstrates the continued value of sociology's heritage. The book will become a key resource for students and scholars alike' - Barry Smart, Professor of Sociology, Portsmouth University

This is a comprehensive, critical review of social theory that places leading contributions in their larger context. Written predominantly for students, the scope and range of the subjects and authors dealt with results in one of the most comprehensive introductions to social theory published to date. Ranging from the philosophical foundations of sociology and the discovery of 'the social' to distinctive sociological approaches, to the significance of issues pertaining to gender and patriarchy, to questions of modernity and post-modernity, the book is comprehensive in subject matter. Among the distinctive features of the book are:

- Clarity of exposition from a well-known and respected commentator in the field

- Focus boxes to facilitate comprehension

- Tremendous range of material

- Powerful organization of the material around key organizing principles

The book is a major accomplishment which will quickly establish itself as the key set text in Sociology and Social Theory courses.

I have been at Plymouth University since 2008, having previously been Professor of Sociology at Essex University since 1994. Before that, I was Professor and Head of Department at the University of Leicester and I have previously taught at the University of Strathclyde. Until 2005 I was an Adjunct Professor in the Sosiologisk Institutt at the University of Bergen. I am Editor of the European Societies, the journal of the European Sociological Association. I have been an active member of the British Sociological Association since 1970 and have been Newsletter editor, Secretary, Treasurer, Chairperson, and President. I am currently an Honorary Vice-President. I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), a Fellow of the British Academy (FBA), and an academician of the Academy of Learned Society in the Social Sciences (Ac SS).

A short biographical narrative can be found at the BSA's 'Biographical Journeys' web page.