TY - BOOK AU - Albrow,Martin TI - Sociology: the basics SN - 0415172632 (hb) AV - HM1 .A625 1999 U1 - 301 PY - 1999/// CY - London, New York PB - Routledge KW - Sociology N1 - Includes bibliographical references and index; TOC; 1 The nature of human society 1 -- The world and society 2 -- From species to humanity 5 -- Humankind and culture 5 -- Sex and gender 8 -- Evolution and history 11 -- Shaping the world 13 -- Money and capital 13 -- Institutions and collectivities 17 -- Countries and nations 20 -- The globe 21 -- Human society in practice 23 -- Social relations 23 -- Types of human association 25 -- Constructing and performing society 27 -- 2 The science of sociology 31 -- The rise of the discipline 31 -- Science and reality 31 -- Origins 34 -- Paradigms and discourse 37 -- Methods of research 41 -- Theory and metaphor 41 -- Concepts in research 43 -- Explanation 46 -- Triangulation 49 -- Intellectual craftsmanship 52 -- Professional practice 56 -- Ideology and objectivity 56 -- Freedom for values 59 -- Professionalism 62 -- Lifelong learning 65 -- 3 Sociological theory 69 -- Old and new directions 69 -- The old theoretical agenda 69 -- The contemporary problem for theory 72 -- The unit of analysis 75 -- Power and critique 77 -- Constituting society 81 -- Ideal types 81 -- Mediation 84 -- Sociation 90 -- Structuration 94 -- Boundaries and identities 99 -- Difference 99 -- Identity 101 -- Trust 103 -- 4 Social institutions 107 -- From functions to practices 107 -- Institutions in practice 107 -- Institutional theory 110 -- Changes in the life-spheres 114 -- Beyond state societies 114 -- Work for human needs 119 -- Environment as global risk 126 -- The autonomy of culture 131 -- Persons and God 135 -- Beyond institutionalism 138 -- 5 Society in the future 141 -- Open futures 141 -- The ignorance society 141 -- The control freaks 143 -- Accounting for change 145 -- Surviving the present 145 -- Grand narrative 149 -- The future of capitalism 153 -- Capitalist society 153 -- The limits of capitalism 155 -- Scenarios 159 -- Towards a human society 163 -- Specialisation and reductionism 163 -- Precarious humanity 165 -- The way ahead 166; Sociology N2 - Summary: This is a book for anyone who wants to know what sociology is and what sociologists do. In a subject which has changed dramatically over the last twenty years, Sociology: The Basics offers the most up-to-date guide to the major topics and areas of debate. It covers among other things: sociology and society; laws, morality and science; social relations; power and communication; society in the future becoming a sociologist. Clearly written, concise and comprehensive, Sociology: The Basics is an essential introductory handbook UR - http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0649/98056183-d.html UR - http://www.worldcat.org/title/sociology-the-basics/oclc/40644975&referer=brief_results ER -