Essential Concepts in Sociology

by Anthony Giddens, Philip W. Sutton

Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, sociology today is a theoretically diverse enterprise, covering a huge range of subjects and drawing on a broad array of research methods. Central to this endeavour is the use of core concepts and ideas which allow sociologists to make sense of societies, though our understanding of these concepts necessarily evolves and changes.

This clear and jargon-free book introduces a careful selection of essential concepts that have helped to shape sociology and others that continue to do so. Going beyond brief, dictionary-style definitions, Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton provide an extended discussion of each concept which sets it in historical and theoretical context, explores its main meanings in use, introduces relevant criticisms, and points readers to its ongoing development in contemporary research and theorizing. 

Organized in ten thematic sections, the book offers a portrait of sociology through its essential concepts, ranging from capitalism, identity and deviance to globalization, the environment and intersectionality. It will be essential reading for all those new to sociology as well as anyone seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction, History, Academic

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2014

About the author

Anthony Giddens, Baron Giddens (born 18 January 1938) is a British sociologist who is renowned for his theory of structuration and his holistic view of modern societies. He is considered to be one of the most prominent modern contributors in the field of sociology, the author of at least 34 books, published in at least 29 languages, issuing on average more than one book every year. In 2007, Giddens was listed as the fifth most-referenced author of books in the humanities.

Three notable stages can be identified in his academic life. The first one involved outlining a new vision of what sociology is, presenting a theoretical and methodological understanding of that field, based on a critical reinterpretation of the classics. His major publications of that era include Capitalism and Modern Social Theory (1971) and New Rules of Sociological Method (1976). In the second stage Giddens developed the theory of structuration, an analysis of agency and structure, in which primacy is granted to neither. His works of that period, such as Central Problems in Social Theory (1979) and The Constitution of Society (1984), brought him international fame on the sociological arena.

The most recent stage concerns modernity, globalization and politics, especially the impact of modernity on social and personal life. This stage is reflected by his critique of postmodernity, and discussions of a new "utopian-realist"[3] third way in politics, visible in the Consequence of Modernity (1990), Modernity and Self-Identity (1991), The Transformation of Intimacy (1992), Beyond Left and Right (1994) and The Third Way: The Renewal of Social Democracy (1998). Giddens' ambition is both to recast social theory and to re-examine our understanding of the development and trajectory of modernity.

Currently Giddens serves as Emeritus Professor at the London School of Economics.

Reviews

[Iuliana Maxim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just purchased this book and already love it after a couple of pages. First, it is definitely a book for those wanting to improve their knowledge about concepts and terminology mostly used in the field of sociology. However, as sociology touches so many other fields and stays at the basis of humanity, I believe the book is definitely suitable for those interested in exploring concepts that easily are applicable and are relevant for marketing, negotiations, Human Resources and even pedagogy.
Secondly, the book is structured in themes comprising several related concepts. The structure of presenting each concept is well thought through, starting with a definition, its origins, and how the concept has evolved and has been used throughout history, and ends with critical points and why it continues to be relevant. For me the best selling point is definitely the presentation of critical points and future relevance of the concept, helping to develop critical thinking and providing some food for thought.
I definitely recommend the book and for sure, it worths keeping a copy nearby as you never know when it will come handy.

[Jan D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it. If you wonder what “discourse”, “class” and “ideal type" mean in sociology, this book is a great help, particularly since it is easy to read, and the explanations actually explain rather than rephrase in jargon. Fittingly it does provide a brief "working definition" for each concept and then explains the concept’s use and history, finishing with a brief literature overview. Thus, it can be also useful for people who are not entirely new to the field, or possibly particularly for those who academically grew up in a context where concepts get mentioned often and are assumed to be known and thus are explained rarely.

[Edgar Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantó el contenido y su forma, es decir, desde los conceptos elegidos hasta cómo el libro fue estructurado. Sin duda, el libro es un referente para las personas interesadas en la sociología, tanto profesionales como amateurs.

No es un simple diccionario: Giddens brinda, además de la definición, buena información contextual de cada tema en el formato: orígenes, interpretación, "cuestiones clave" (críticas a cada concepto), relevancia actual y referencias y lecturas adicionales.

El autor hace un esfuerzo notable en citar una diversidad de enfoques dentro de la sociología y otras ciencias sociales (además de la filosofía, para algunos casos).

[S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive glossary of important terms in sociology.
My second Giddens book, and I find it as much insightful as the prior one ( Runaway World)..
The best part was the concise definitions, and the rich discussions that pointed out different opinions and orientations, and also the references for further readings for every term. But there's a clear emphasis on Marxism and Weber inside!

[Robyn Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why this book doesn't have a book cover? And I'm quite shocked to find out only a few people read it...

Just wondering Is there any good and easy to read sociology introduction guide book in English world?

[Shrouk · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب مهم كمبتدئ ف علم الاجتماع ، ميزته إنه بيمسك مفهوم ما او مصطلح يقولك تعريفه واصله وتأويله واغلب الانتقادات اللي اتعرض ليها ومدي استمرار الاهميه
فالكتاب فيه شغل كتير الحقيقه .

[Umut · Rating 4 out of 5]

sosyolojik kavramlar beşer sayfalık bölümler halinde anlatılıyor, bazı kavramlar için yeterli olsa da bazı kavramlar için yetersiz ve anlaşılmaz olabiliyor.

[Ray Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

很好的入门书，查概念非常方便。

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

read what i needed to. loved it. that’s all.

[Cher Z]

为了政治课读的，读完自以为给了写论文更多更新鲜的角度，但后来才知因为这些角度不属于课本而并不加分。哎。

[haryii · Rating 5 out of 5]

不错的工具书

[Jiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

关键概念的源流、意义与批判

[Yigit Koçak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread the book I had read in my first year of law school almost seven years later. It's an important introductory reference book.

[muaad alqaydy · Rating 5 out of 5]

مميز ومفيد

مفيد جدا وسلس في الشرح وترجمة ممتازة لكن هناك الكثير من المفاهيم وددت لو تعرض لها ولم يتعرض لوسائل التواصل وتغير الحياة الاجتماعية معها