ABSTRACT
This is the first anthology to thematize the dramatic upward and downward shifts that have created the new social theory, and to present this new and exciting body of work in a thoroughly trans-disciplinary manner.
In this revised second edition readers are provided with a much greater range of thinkers and perspectives, including new sections on such issues as imperialism, power, civilization clash, health and performance. The first section sets out the main schools of contemporary thought, from Habermas and Honneth on new critical theory, to Jameson and Hall on cultural studies, and Foucault and Bourdieu on poststructuralism. The sections that follow trace theory debates as they become more issues-based and engaged. They are:
- the post-foundational debates over morality, justice and epistemological truth
- the social meaning of nationalism, multiculturalism and globalization
- identity debates around gender, sexuality, race, the self and post-coloniality.
This new edition provides more ample biographical and intellectual introductions to each thinker, and substantial introductions to each of the major sections. The editors introduce the volume with a newly revised, interpretive overview of social theory today.
The New Social Theory Reader is an essential, reliable guide to current theoretical debates.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part One|77 pages
General theory without foundations
part |17 pages
New Critical Theory
part |22 pages
Semiotic Structuralism
part |15 pages
Poststructuralism
part |21 pages
Cultural Studies
part Two|54 pages
The normative turn
part |18 pages
Justice
part |17 pages
Ethics
part |17 pages
Truth
part Three|64 pages
Rethinking power
part |22 pages
Performativity
part |19 pages
Domination/Liberation
chapter Chapter 17|9 pages
From Redistribution to Recognition?
part |21 pages
Biopolitics
chapter Chapter 19|12 pages
The Body and the Reproduction of Femininity
part Four|123 pages
Societies and world order
part |14 pages
Postmodernity
part |17 pages
Civil Society
part |21 pages
Multiculturalism
part |16 pages
Nationalism
part |17 pages
World Politics
part |21 pages
Globalization
part |15 pages
Empire
chapter Chapter 34|8 pages
Return to Empire
part Five|84 pages
Identities
part |15 pages
Self
part |21 pages
Gender
part |15 pages
Sexuality
part |18 pages
Race
part |13 pages
Postcoloniality