Anthony Giddens: An Introduction to a Social Theorist

Anthony Giddens is one of the world′s most prominent and prolific sociologists, and yet his ideas often prove difficult for the beginning student of sociology. This is the first introduction to the work of Giddens, including the major part of his sociological and social theoretical project.

The first six chapters are built up chronologically, each standing alone as an exegesis of one aspect of Giddens′s theories. Chapter seven features a lengthy one–on–one interview with Giddens by the author, in which Giddens analyzes and interprets the contemporary world through his own specialized viewpoint. Chapter eight is the first and only critical overview in the book, as the author discusses traditional responses to Giddens′s work. Finally, the book contains the most complete and up–to–date Giddens bibliography ever compiled.

This introductory text presents Giddens to the sociology and political science community in the most accessible form to date.

Preface.

Introduction.

1. Anthony Giddens, the Positive Critic: the Dialogue with Classical and Modern Sociology.

2 Giddens as Constructor: the Theory of Structuration as a Response to the Dualism of Social Theory.

3 The Theory of Structuration.

4 Giddens′s Theory of the State: the Nation–state and War.

5 The Analysis of Modernity: Globalization, the Transformation of Intimacy, and the Post–traditional Society.

6 Giddens and Politics: toward Positive Welfare, Generative Politics, and the Radical Center.

7 The Post–traditional Society and Radical Politics: an Interview with Anthony Giddens.

8 Giddens′s Social and Political Theory: Some Critical Viewpoints.

Epilogue.

Bibliography.

Index.

Lars Bo Kaspersen is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, where he teaches sociology, history, and politics. He is co–editor, with Heine Andersen, of Classical and Modern Social Theory (Blackwell, 2000). He is currently working on the origin, development, and transformation of the Danish welfare state, and on the state formation and the emergence of citizenship in France, British, Germany, and Scandinavia in a historical comparative perspective.

"An outstanding and readable introduction to the work of the UK′s leading contemporary sociologist."
William Outhwaite, University of Sussex

"Kaspersen brings a sophisticated understanding of Giddens′s entire agenda to this truly accessible text. Newcomers will welcome the reliable consolidations of Giddens′s central themes. Advanced theorists will appreciate Kaspersen′s trenchant criticisms and his extensive coverage of new developments in Giddens′s political thought." Ira J. Cohen, Rutgers University