Cutting edge handbook from the International Sociological Association. Wide in scope and full of global case studies.

"Representing the fruit of in-depth dynamics it invites us to give all necessary attention to the concepts of conflict, cooperation and competition. By reflecting on the possible articulations of these concepts and attempting to apply them in diverse fields of social science the editors give voice to those who are studying the world as it is and perform the service of returning a set of concepts, approaches or paradigms to their legitimate place."
- Michel Wieviorka, President, International Sociological Association

This ISA Handbook presents and tracks the transformation of the societies and social relations that characterize the twenty-first century. The volume is organized around a conceptualization of three processes that are fundamental to the analyses of micro, meso and macro social relations: conflict, competition, and cooperation.

In addition to chapters that delve into sociological theory, case studies and overviews of subfields discuss and contextualize debates from an international perspective, incorporating relevant material about North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Chapters on topics and fields crucial to the experience of people around the world include, among others: childhood studies, consumption, hunger, labour studies, peace-keeping, law, health, sport, and welfare.

Systematic and informed, the handbook will serve readers in all branches of the social sciences, providing both experienced researchers and novices with the materials to explore the different domains of contemporary life.

Introduction - Ann Denis & Devorah Kalekin-Fishman
PART I: ANALYSES OF APPROACHES TO RESEARCH
Chapter 2: Alienation - Critique and Alternative Futures - Lauren Langman & Devorah Kalekin-Fishman
Chapter 3: Identity, Citizenship and Contemporary, Secure, Gendered Politics of Belonging - Nira Yuval-Davis
Chapter 4: Sociological Practice and the Socio-Technics of Governance - Kjeld Hogsbro, Hans Pruijt, Nikita Pokrovsky & George Tsobanoglou
Chapter 5: Conflict, and Competition in Sociological Studies of Law - Reza Banakar
Chapter 6: New Ways of Relating Authority and Solidarity - Elisa P. Reis
Chapter 7: New Collaborative Forms of Doing Research - Jaime Jimenez
PART II: TRENDS IN CONCEPTUALIZING CONFLICT, COMPETITION, AND COOPERATION IN SUB-FIELDS
Chapter 8: The Sociology of Development and Social Transformations - Ulrike Schuerkens
Chapter 9: Health Sociology - Elianne Riska, Ellen Annandale & Robert Dingwall
Chapter 10: Sociological Theories of Professions - Julia Evetts, Charles Gadea, Mariano Sanchez & Juan Saez
Chapter 11: The Naturalization of Social Difference in Sport - Fabien Ohl
Chapter 12: Insights from the Sociology of the Arts - Jan Marontate
Chapter 13: Rethinking the Sociology of Childhood - Robert van Krieken & Doris B hler-Niederberger
Chapter 14: The Lifecourse of the Social Mobility Paradigm - Stéphane Moulin & Paul Bernard
PART III: RESEARCH ON SOCIAL ISSUES
Chapter 15: Health, Illness and Mortality in Less Developed Countries - Bali Ram & Shefali S. Ram
Chapter 16: 21st Century Military Peacekeeping Operations - David R. Segal, Christopher Dandeker, & Yuko K. Whitestone
Chapter 17: The Social Division of Health Care - Paul Leduc Browne
Chapter 18: Market against Society - Labour′s Predicament in the Second Great Transformation - Edward Webster & Robert Lambert
Chapter 19: Political Consumerism - Marco Silvestro
Chapter 20: Modes of Structured Interplay in the Modelling of Digital Futures - Markus Schulz
Chapter 21: Sociological Theory, Social Change and Crime in Rural Communities - Joseph F. Donnermeyer, Pat Jobes, & Elaine Barclay
PART IV: ILLUSTRATIVE CASE STUDIES
Chapter 22: Hunger and Plenty - Fragmented Integration in the Global Food System - Mustafa Koc
Chapter 23: Social Movements in Brazil - Maria da Gloria Gohn
Chapter 24: Making Sense of Social Justice and Social Mobilization in Latin America - Victor Armony
Chapter 25: Industrial and Labour Studies, Socio-Economic Transformation, Conflict and Cooperation in KwaZulu Natal - Ari Sitas
Chapter 26: Economic Globalization and Singapore′s Development Policies - Alexius A. Pereira
Chapter 27: The Dynamics of Local Global Relations - Henry Teune
Chapter 28: Negotiating Identity, Conflict and Cooperation within a Strategic Model of Address - Sandi Michele de Oliveira
Chapter 29: Conflict and (Ethno-Linguistic) Diversity: Canada/Québec - Philippe Couton, Ann Denis, Leslie Laczko, Linda Pietrantonio & Joseph-Yvon Thériault
PART V: CONCLUSION
Chapter 30: Conflict, Competition, and Cooperation - Means and Stratagems for Shaping Social Reality in the 21st Century - Ann Denis & Devorah Kalekin-Fishman