Short Introduction to Social Theory

This brief textbook provides a broad critical introduction to social theory in terms of its engagement with modernity and to a lesser extent, with post-modernity. It focuses on the major trends in social thinking, more than on the ‘key figures’ approach. The text covers the emergence of modern society and the diagnoses of social change and social order through Marx, Durkheim and Weber. It moves its analysis to the emergence of feminist theory. The book is also sensitised to the extent to which Euro-centric views were embedded in earlier social theories. The book explores structural functionalism, critical theory, symbolic interactionism as theories which have developed in more modern times. The book ends by exploring the impact of post-structuralism and postmodernism on social theory. The book triggers questions, suggestions for follow up and at the end of every chapter there is a list of assessments for students to evaluate the merits and shortcomings of social theory.