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. |
Contents
Agency Structure | 49 |
Institutions Reproduction Socialisation | 96 |
Contradiction Power Historical Materialism | 131 |
Ideology and Consciousness | 165 |
Time Space Social Change | 198 |
The Prospects for Social Theory Today | 234 |
Notes and References | 261 |
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Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, structure and contradiction in ... Anthony Giddens No preview available - 1979 |
Common terms and phrases
actors Althusser Althusser's argue basic behaviour capitalism capitalist character characteristic claim concept of ideology concerned conduct conflict connected consensus constitution context contradiction contrast critical critique Derrida différance differentiation discussion distinction domination duality of structure Durkheim economic elements emphasise existence expressed functionalism functionalist Habermas hermeneutics human ideas implies important individual influence institutions interac interaction interests interpretation involved knowledge language Lévi-Strauss linguistic logical London Mannheim Marx Marx's Marxism meaning Merton metaphysics of presence modes natural science normative notion organisation phenomenology philosophy philosophy of action political problems production refer reflexive monitoring relations relevant role Saussure Saussure's semiotics sense signified social activity social analysis social change social practices social reproduction social sciences social systems social theory socialisation society sociology sociology of knowledge standpoint Structural Anthropology structuralist temporal time-space tion tradition treated uncon unconscious Weber Wittgenstein writings