1st Edition

Critical Visions New Directions in Social Theory

By Anthony Elliott Copyright 2003
    242 Pages
    by Routledge

    238 Pages
    by Routledge

    Originally published in 2003, Critical Visions develops a wide-ranging analysis of key issues and debates in contemporary social theory. Drawing social theory, cultural studies, and psychoanalysis together in a bold configuration, the book challenges the widespread view that social theory seems to have lost its way as a result of the diversification of conceptual approaches. The book includes critical readings of the terrain of contemporary social theory and theorists. Questions relating to the globalization of risk, citizenship, morality and ethics, politics and norms, and sexuality and desire are all explored.

    The Direction of Social Theory is Always New: Series Editor’s Foreword

    Preface and Acknowledgements

    Introduction: Interdisciplinary Studies and the Fortunes of Sociology

    Part I: Interventions in Contemporary Social Theory

    1. Risk and Reflexivity: Ulrich Beck

    2. Social Theory and Politics in the Writings of Anthony Giddens

    3. Jacques Lacan as a Social Theorist

    4. Subjectivity, Culture, Autonomy: Cornelius Castoriadis

    5. Habermas, Kristeva, and Global Transformations in the Public Sphere

    Part II: Central Issues in Contemporary Social Theory

    6. Sexualities: Social Theory and the Crisis of Identity

    7. The Reinvention of Citizenship

    8. Politics and Social Theory

    9. Social Theory, Morality, and Ethics

    References

    Index

    About the Author

    Biography

    Anthony Elliott