Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure, and Contradiction in Social AnalysisIn this new and brilliantly organized book of essays, Anthony Giddens discusses three main theoretical traditions in social science that cut across the division between Marxist and non-Marxist sociology: interpretive sociology, functionalism, and structuralism. Beginning with a critical examination of the importance of structuralism for contemporary sociology, the author develops a comprehensive account of what he calls "the theory of structuration." One of the main themes is that social theory must recognize, as it has not done hitherto, that all social actors are knowledgeable about the social systems they produce and reproduce in their conduct. In order to grasp the significance of this, he argues, we have to reconsider some of the most basic concepts in sociology. In particular, Giddens argues, it is essential to recognize the significance of time-space relations in social theory. He rejects the distinction between synchrony and diachrony, or statics and dynamics, involved in both structuralism and functionalism, and offers extensive critical commentary on the latter as an approach to sociology. The book, which can be described as a "non-functionalist manifesto," breaks with the three main theoretical traditions in the social sciences today while retaining the significant contributions each contains. In so doing Giddens discusses a range of fundamental problem areas in the social sciences: power and domination, conflict and contradiction, and social transformation. He concludes with an overall appraisal of the key problems in social theory today. |
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Contents
Structuralism and the Theory of the Subject | 9 |
Agency Structure | 49 |
Institutions Reproduction Socialisation | 96 |
Contradiction Power Historical Materialism | 131 |
Ideology and Consciousness | 165 |
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according action activity actors acts analysis appears applied approach argue associated attempt authors basic become called capitalism capitalist character characteristic claim closely communication conception concerned conduct connected consciousness consequences constitution context continuity contradiction contrast course critical critique differentiation discussion distinction domination economic elements example existence expressed fact functionalism groups human ideas ideology implies important individual influence institutions integration interaction interests interpretation involved issues knowledge language latter Lévi-Strauss linguistic logical London Marx Marxism meaning modes nature normative notion object operate organisation particular personality philosophy political position possible practices Press problems production properties reasons refer reflexive regarded relations reproduction respect role rules Saussure sense separate signified social sciences social systems social theory society sociology sort space structure suggest thought tion tradition treated unconscious understood University writings
Bibliographic information
| Title | Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure, and Contradiction in Social Analysis Volume 241 of Campus Berkeley Volume 241 of Campus: University of California Press |
| Author | Anthony Giddens |
| Edition | reprint |
| Publisher | University of California Press, 1979 |
| ISBN | 0520039750, 9780520039759 |
| Length | 294 pages |
| Subjects | › › Social Science / Sociology / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |