Social Theory of Modern Societies

Download or read book Social Theory of Modern Societies written by David Held and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1989-12-07 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During the past decade, Anthony Giddens has published a series of substantial volumes that have defined a distinctive and original theoretical approach. The twin focal points of his research are the "theory of structuration" and the analysis of "modernity." Giddens' writing on these and related themes are widely recognized as among the most important contributions to theoretical debate in the social sciences. This is the first book to provide a systematic and critical assessment of Giddens' work. It includes eleven critical essays specially commissioned from contributors who are well known in their own fields. In a concluding essay, Giddens responds to the criticisms raised by these and other authors, and clarifies and elaborates on his current views.