Structuralist Analysis in Contemporary Social Thought (RLE Social Theory)


Book Description

The primary concern of this book is to investigate whether or not structuralism constitutes a distinctive framework in the social sciences. The author focuses on two major structuralist thinkers, Louis Althusser and Claude Lévi-Strauss. She analyses and compares the structure of their theory, and places them within the context of their respective disciplines. Dr Glucksmann began working on this book at a time when structuralism was at the height of its popularity in France, and was thought to be a homogenous alternative to bourgeois sociology. The progress of her study implicitly reflects the developments and divergences within structuralist thought that have emerged since then. In particular, she examines the differences between the political and philosophical thought of Althusser and Lévi-Strauss, which have become increasingly manifest.




Structuralist Analysis in Contemporary Social Thought (RLE Social Theory)


Book Description

The primary concern of this book is to investigate whether or not structuralism constitutes a distinctive framework in the social sciences. The author focuses on two major structuralist thinkers, Louis Althusser and Claude Lévi-Strauss. She analyses and compares the structure of their theory, and places them within the context of their respective disciplines. Dr Glucksmann began working on this book at a time when structuralism was at the height of its popularity in France, and was thought to be a homogenous alternative to bourgeois sociology. The progress of her study implicitly reflects the developments and divergences within structuralist thought that have emerged since then. In particular, she examines the differences between the political and philosophical thought of Althusser and Lévi-Strauss, which have become increasingly manifest.




Ideas and Intervention (RLE Social Theory)


Book Description

Theorizing in sociology has increasingly become a self-generating and self-fulfilling activity, as sociologists absorb theory as an isolated and formalist part of their discipline. Joe Bailey believes that sociological theory should be a contribution to practical social intervention. His book presents a practical view of social theorizing as an activity at which sociologists are skilled and which they could teach to the interventionist professions. The relation between theory and practice is defined as one in which theory guides practice and makes explicit necessary choices. A description of disciplines and professions is provided as a basis for examining social intervention in three areas – law, social work and urban planning. The author considers some exemplary contributions which sociological theorizing could and should provide, and concludes by proposing a pluralist view of theory as the best strategy for a sociology relevant to practice.




The French Sociological Tradition


Book Description

The research background of this book is the rich and complex history of French sociology, characterized by rigorous intellectual inquiry and diverse theoretical perspectives that have profoundly impacted global sociology. The driving idea behind the book "Unlock the Legacy of French Sociology" is to provide a comprehensive exploration of the rich and influential history of French sociology. The book aims to detail the development of French sociological thought, examining the contributions of key figures like Émile Durkheim, Pierre Bourdieu, and others. It also seeks to highlight both well-known and lesser-known aspects of French sociological theory, as well as contemporary trends and practical applications in modern research. The ultimate goal is to offer an authoritative reference and engaging read for students, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the legacy and ongoing impact of French sociology on global sociological thought. • The research methodology proposed in this book involves a comprehensive examination of the development of French sociology, its historical context, key figures, and contributions to sociological theory and research. • The task is to provide an authoritative reference and engaging read for students, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding French sociology's history and influence. The performance achieved is a detailed exploration of French sociological thought, which supports their goals. Methods • Examination of the historical context of French sociology; • Analysis of key figures and their contributions to sociological theory; • Exploration of lesser-known but significant aspects of French sociological thought; • Discussion of contemporary trends and practical applications in modern research. Conclusion: • The significance of this piece of work lies in its detailed exploration of the rich and influential history of French sociology and its ongoing impact on sociological thought. • Innovation point: Comprehensive examination of both well-known and lesser-known aspects of French sociological thought; • Performance: Detailed and insightful analysis of key figures and theories; • Workload: Extensive research and synthesis of historical and contemporary sociological contributions.




Mental Health Informatics


Book Description

This textbook provides a detailed resource introducing the subdiscipline of mental health informatics. It systematically reviews the methods, paradigms, tools and knowledge base in both clinical and bioinformatics and across the spectrum from research to clinical care. Key foundational technologies, such as terminologies, ontologies and data exchange standards are presented and given context within the complex landscape of mental health conditions, research and care. The learning health system model is utilized to emphasize the bi-directional nature of the translational science associated with mental health processes. Descriptions of the data, technologies, paradigms and products that are generated by and used in each process and their limitations are discussed. Mental Health Informatics: Enabling a Learning Mental Healthcare System is a comprehensive introductory resource for students, educators and researchers in mental health informatics and related behavioral sciences. It is an ideal resource for use in a survey course for both pre- and post-doctoral training programs, as well as for healthcare administrators, funding entities, vendors and product developers working to make mental healthcare more evidence-based.




Approaches to Sociology (RLE Social Theory)


Book Description

These essays, commissioned by John Rex, reflect the state of sociology in Britain today. Leading representatives of the diverse ‘schools’ provide lucid accounts of their own particular approaches to this complex discipline and in doing so demonstrate the techniques described. Topics covered include the empirical study of stratification, social evolution, survey techniques, mathematical sociology, systems theory, phenomenological approaches, Weberian sociology, structuralism, contemporary Marxism, and the development of theory after Talcott Parsons.




The Normative Structure of Sociology (RLE Social Theory)


Book Description

In this provocative analysis of the central issues and developments in modern social theory, Dr Strasser contends that enquiry into the function, tasks and mission of sociology as a discipline can be understood only in relation to the subject's historical development. He believes that a discussion of the origin and intention of sociology, particularly in relation to the established social order, enables us to grasp fully the nature of sociological theory, both past and present. He maintains that a sociologist's own position in society, and consequently his views on its development and his way of expressing those views, will affect the theoretical position he takes up.




Handbook of Marriage and the Family


Book Description

The lucid, straightforward Preface of this Handbook by the two editors and the comprehenSIve perspec tives offered in the Introduction by one ofthem leave little for a Foreword to add. It is therefore limIted to two relevant but not intrinsically related points vis-a-vis research on marriage and the family in the interval since the fIrst Handbook (Christensen, 1964) appeared, namely: the impact on this research ofthe politicization of the New RIght! and of the Feminist Enlightenment beginning in the mid-sixties, about the time of the fIrst Handbook. In the late 1930s Willard Waller noted: "Fifty years or more ago about 1890, most people had the greatest respect for the institution called the family and wished to learn nothing whatever about it. . . . Everything that concerned the life of men and women and their children was shrouded from the light. Today much of that has been changed. Gone is the concealment of the way in which life begins, gone the irrational sanctity of the home. The aura of sentiment which once protected the family from discussion clings to it no more .... We wantto learn as much about it as we can and to understand it as thoroughly as possible, for there is a rising recognition in America that vast numbers of its families are sick-from internal frustrations and from external buffeting. We are engaged in the process of reconstructing our family institutions through criticism and discussion" (1938, pp. 3-4).




Social Structure


Book Description

Crothers's book provides a thorough introduction to the idea of social structure. He examines the meanings of the term, the history of its usage within sociology and looks at the more recent developments in thinking on social structure.




The New Criminology


Book Description

A major contribution to criminology in which Taylor, Walton and Young provide a framework for a fully social theory of crime.