Foundations of Social Theory: A Critical Introduction

Foundations of Social Theory: A Critical Introduction accessibly introduces students to classical and contemporary social theory, exploring the foundational theories which shape the discipline while also engaging critically with their contribution and presenting the more progressive and contemporary theorists in dialogue with canonical figures. Social theory is introduced as the construction and connection of concepts which make social inquiry possible while appreciating that the study of society is never truly objective. The relationship between positionality, politics, research, and knowledge production is discussed and ideas from critical theorists, feminist theorists, and decolonial, and critical race theorists are foregrounded. Travelling chronologically and thematically from the birth of the discipline and the work of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim through to intersectionality, queer theory, and decolonial and postcolonial theory, this book gives students a strong foundation in the broad field of social theory while also encouraging them to think critically about the theories and theorists presented. Equipped with end-of-chapter questions and further reading, this book will be essential reading for any student studying social theory for the first time.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction 2. Karl Marx: Critique, Class Struggle, and Revolution 3. Émile Durkheim: Society Functions! 4. Max Weber: Meaningful Social Action 5. The Early Frankfurt School: What happened to the revolution? 6. Pierre Bourdieu: Class meets Culture 7. The Frankfurt School Today: Modernity, Communication, and Recognition 8. Gender: Theorising Patriarchy 9. Post-Structuralism and Post-Modernism: ‘It’s all so much more complicated than that!’ 10. Decolonial Social Theory: Confronting Coloniality 11. Conclusion: Key Questions

About the Author :
Neal Harris is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Oxford Brookes University, UK. His most recent books include Critical Theory and Social Pathology: The Frankfurt School Beyond Recognition (Manchester University Press, 2022) and Capitalism and its Critics: Capitalism in Social and Political Theory (co-authored with Gerard Delanty, Routledge, 2022). He has taught social and political theory at the University of Sussex, University of Brighton, and Oxford Brookes University.

Review :
“This splendid book brilliantly succeeds in the difficult task of introducing social theory in a clear, comprehensive and exceptionally readable form. The author's range of references is enormously impressive.” William Outhwaite, Emeritus Professor in Sociology, University of Newcastle, UK “Neal Harris has produced a comprehensive, insightful, and original overview of the most important ideas and concepts in social theory from Marx to the present. Each chapter is meticulously researched, detailed, and accessible. The book will be of great interest to undergraduates, postgraduates, and academics in the social sciences and humanities.” Darrow Schecter, Professor of Critical Theory at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK “Foundations of Social Theory: A Critical Introduction by Neal Harris is an excellent book which delivers exactly what the title promises - and then more. At a time when social theory, especially in its critical form, is under siege this is a very necessary book not only for students of social sciences who are beginners in social theory, but also for more established scholars. The very well presented introductory approach of Harris deals with essential thinkers, schools of thought, topics and controversies, making it a foundational read for everyone. On top of this, the particular style of thinking and writing of Harris also makes it highly valuable text for more experienced scholars – both as a challenge and as a starting point for rethinking and reassessing developed, and sometimes petrified, positions. I recommend this for all!” Heinz Sünker, Rudolf-Carnap-Senior-Professor at the Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Germany and Honorary Professor at Aarhus University, Denmark