Social Theory and Social Practice is a reader on the theory and research developments advanced by a figure at the forefront of contemporary American and international sociology - James S. Coleman. Themes that run through Coleman’s diverse body of work are the subject of this volume. Essays focus on his contributions to social theory (emphasising formulations which have policy implications) and applications of sociology in public affairs. Coleman’s contributions have influenced and, in several cases, defined the agenda for various sub-fields of sociology: sociological theory and methods, sociology of education, sociology of the family, political and sociology, mathematical sociology, communications research and social stratification. This text is intended for scholars in the fields of sociology, education, economics, and political science.