This is a comprehensive guide to the complexities of social theory today. Over 30 chapters, written by an international team of contributors, demonstrate clearly the practical applications of social theory in helping students to make sense of the modern world.

Understanding Contemporary Society: Theories of the Present is a comprehensive textbook to guide students through the complexities of social theory today. Over 30 chapters, written by an international team of contributors, demonstrate clearly the practical applications of social theory in making sense of the modern world. Students are both introduced to the most significant theories and guided through the major social developments which shape our lives.

Key features of the book are: clearly structured and readable prose; bullet pointed summaries and annotated further reading for each topic; makes complex issues accessible to undergraduates; focuses on relevance and practicality; chapter lay-out which is ideal for teaching and seminar readings.

Theory, Theorists and Themes - Gary Browning, Abigail Halcli and Frank Webster
A User′s Guide to Understanding the Present
PART ONE: THEORIES
Postmodernism - Christopher Norris
A Guide for the Perplexed
Post-Feminism - Mich[gr]ele Barrett
Post-History - Krishan Kumar
Living at the End
Post-Marxism - Terrell Carver
Post-Colonialism and Beyond - Don Robotham
Reflexive Modernization - Ted Benton
Narrative - Susan Stephenson
Rational Choice Theory - John Scott
Complexity Theory - Tim Blackman
Contemporary Liberalism - Gary Browning
Democracy - Nick Hewlett
Liberal and Direct
Communitarianism - Elizabeth Frazer
New Thinking in International Relations - Kimberly Hutchings
Utopia and Dystopia - Stephen Crook
PART TWO: THEMES
Post-Modernity - David Lyon
Globalization - Barrie Axford
Restructuring - Andy Kilmister
Cities in the Global Economy - Saskia Sassen
Cultural Studies - Rick Maxwell
Intellectuals - Carl Boggs
Higher Education - Frank Webster
Mass Communication - Kaarle Nordenstreng
The Web - Vincent Mosco
Nationalism - Murray Low
Islam - Sarah Ansari
Cultural Pluralism Today - Avigail Eisenberg
Families and Households - Mary Maynard
The Body - Chris Shilling
Intimate Choices - Ken Plummer
Environmentalism - David Pepper
Social Movements - Abigail Halcli
Social Inequalities - Harriet Bradley
Coming to Terms with Complexity