Anthony Giddens

Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, contemporary sociology 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 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 the digital revolution, environment, postcolonialism and intersectionality. Revised and updated for this new Fourth Edition, this book will be essential reading for those approaching sociology for the first time as well as anyone seeking a reliable guide for understanding a rapidly changing world.

Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, contemporary sociology 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 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 the digital revolution, environment, postcolonialism and intersectionality. Revised and updated for this new Fourth Edition, this book will be essential reading for those approaching sociology for the first time as well as anyone seeking a reliable guide for understanding a rapidly changing world.

The indispensable guide to understanding the world we make and the lives we lead This thoroughly revised and fully updated tenth edition remains unrivalled in its vibrant, engaging and authoritative introduction to sociology. The authors provide a commanding overview of the sociological approach to contemporary global challenges and the latest conceptual developments in this fascinating subject. Written in a fluent, easy-to-follow style, the book manages to be both intellectually rigorous and readily accessible. As well as providing a firm grounding in the classics of the field and their decolonial critique, it draws particular attention to dominant themes shaping the social world today, from the increasing digitization of society to the important role identity plays in numerous contexts. Beginning with a solid foundation in the basics of sociology – its purpose, methodology and theories – subsequent chapters offer up-to-the-minute overviews of the discipline's core areas of concern, from poverty, inequality and gender to digital media, political polarization and climate change. Maintaining its focus on global connections which has animated this book since its very first edition, the tenth edition further develops its interactive pedagogy, aiming to engage and excite readers, helping them to see the enduring value of thinking sociologically. The tenth edition continues to set the standard for introductory sociology in an ever more complex social world. It is the ideal teaching text for first-year university and college courses and will help to inspire a new generation of sociologists.

I Europa i globaliseringens tidsalder, diagnosticerer Anthony Giddens Europas tilstand og fremlægger sit bud på en række reformer af de europæiske staters velfærdsmodeller. England og de skandinaviske lande har vist vejen med hensyn til økonomisk vækst og nedbringelsen af arbejdsløsheden. Giddens fremhæver på den baggrund og på det tidspunkt, at der stadig er langt igen, når det gælder håndteringen af de udfordringer, som globalisering, indvandring, livsstilssygdomme, trafik- og miljøproblemer og en aldrende befolkning fører med sig. Hvis Europa skal fastholde og udbygge sin position i en stadig mere konkurrencepræget verden, skal der tænkes nyt – også hvis Europa vil sikre, at social beskyttelse og økonomisk fremgang fortsat går hånd i hånd. Bogen udkom første gang på dansk i 2007 og således før Brexit, men kan stadig læses for sine mange politiske og sociologiske indsigter i globalisering og velfærd. Bogen genudgives nu i Hans Reitzels Forlags serie Klassikere. .

Den tredje vej er Anthony Giddens’ bidrag til debatten om socialdemokratismens fremtid. Med bogen ønsker Giddens at konkretisere sin politiske vision og give substans til de begreber, som bl.a. socialdemokratiske politikere verden over gør brug af. Det gælder globaliseringen, det internationale samarbejde, miljøproblemerne, principperne for styring af økonomien, mindskelsen af de globale og nationale uligheder, det gælder beskæftigelsespolitikken, velfærden og solidariteten nationalt som internationalt. Og endelig gælder det de pligter og rettigheder, som samtlige borgere i demokratisk ledede lande må påtage sig og har krav på. Giddens har naturligvis ikke endegyldige svar på alle disse spørgsmål, men han gør opmærksom på problemerne og peger på alternative måder at håndtere dem på, og derfor fremstår bogen stadig aktuel. Den tredje vej udkom første gang på dansk i 1999 og foreligger nu i Hans Reitzels Forlags serie Klassikere.

Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, contemporary sociology 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 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 the digital revolution, environment, postcolonialism 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.

Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, contemporary sociology 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 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 the digital revolution, environment, postcolonialism 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.

Over a million copies sold worldwideThe indispensable guide to understanding the world we make and the lives we lead. This thoroughly revised and updated ninth edition remains unrivalled in its vibrant, engaging and authoritative introduction to sociology. The authors provide a commanding overview of the latest global developments and new ideas in this fascinating subject. Classic debates are also given careful coverage, with even the most complex ideas explained in a straightforward way. Written in a fluent, easy-to-follow style, the book manages to be intellectually rigorous but still very accessible. With a strong focus on interactive pedagogy, it aims to engage and excite readers, helping them to see the enduring value of thinking sociologically. The ninth edition includes: a solid foundation in the basics of sociology: its purpose, methodology and theories;up-to-the-minute overviews of key topics in social life, from gender, personal life and poverty, to globalization, the media and politics;stimulating examples of what sociology has to say about key issues in our contemporary world, such as climate change, growing inequality and rising polarization in societies across the world;a strong focus on global connections and the ways that digital technologies are radically transforming our lives;quality pedagogical features, such as ‘Classic Studies’ and ‘Global Society’ boxes, and ‘Thinking Critically’ reflection points, as well as end-of-chapter activities inviting readers to engage with popular culture and original research articles to gather sociological insights. The ninth edition sets the standard for introductory sociology in a complex world. It is the ideal teaching text for first-year university and college courses, and will help to inspire a new generation of sociologists.

Sociologi är en av de ledande introduktionsböckerna till ämnet sociologi och har i över 30 års tid lästs av tusentals studenter över hela världen. Boken väver samman en internationell överblick över dagens samhällen med en gedigen genomgång av disciplinens teoretiska huvuddrag. Boken ger en klar och överskådlig introduktion till sociologin som ämne och visar hur viktigt det är att ha en förståelse för hur samhället fungerar för att man som individ ska kunna engagera sig i centrala samhällsfrågor.Denna upplaga, den sjätte på svenska, har reviderats i sin helhet. Boken har anpassats för att vara relevant för svenska studenter. Den ger på ett tematiskt sätt god överblick över den senaste tidens utveckling i världen. Klassiska och moderna teorier behandlas utförligt och även de mest komplicerade tankarna förklaras på ett engagerande och pedagogiskt sätt. Denna upplaga innehåller både ny och uppdaterad information om globalisering, arbetsmarknad, krig och konflikter, migration, religionens återkomst, klimatförändringen och miljön samt ny mediateknik.Sociologi innehåller allt som en sociologibok på introduktionsnivå bör göra. Bredden och omfattningen gör den till ett perfekt verk för universitetsstudenten som går sin första sociologikurs, och den kommer att ge inspiration åt en ny generation sociologer.Boken har fackgranskats och anpassats till svenska förhållanden av Thomas Johansson, professor i pedagogik med inriktning mot barn- och ungdomsvetenskap, vid Göteborgs universitet.

I Samtaler med Anthony Giddens har Christopher Pierson med stor viden og den gode interviewers sans for at spørge ind til sagens kerne fået en af nyere tids væsentligste samfundsteoretikere til at fortælle om og kommentere den udvikling, han forskningsmæssigt har gennemgået af det moderne samfund. Med præcision og klarhed i formuleringen præsenterer Anthony Giddens hovedtemaerne og begreberne i sin samfundsteori og redegør samtidig for de sociologiske forfatterskaber, der har betydet noget for hans egen udvikling. Ud over de syv samtaler bringer bogen fire eksempler på tidsskrifts- og avisartikler af Giddens samt en introduktion til hans sociologi skrevet af Martin O’Brien. Samtaler med Anthony Giddens udkom for første gang på dansk i 2002 og genudgives nu i Hans Reitzels Forlags serie Klassikere.

The studies which comprise this book are essentially organized around a critical encounter with European social theory in its 'classical period' – i.e. from the middle years of the nineteenth century until the First World War – and have the aim of working out some of the implications of that encounter for the position and prospects of the social sciences today. The issues involved relate to the following series of problems: method and epistemology; social development and transformation; the origins of 'sociology' in nineteenth-century social theory; and the status of social science as critique. In each of these areas, Giddens develops views that challenge existing orthodoxies, and connects these ideas to a reconstruction of social theory in the contemporary era.

We find ourselves at a crossroads between environmental disaster and a new industrial revolution: a shift from the ruthless exploitation of nature toward cooperation with it. Decoupling economic growth from environmental consumption is an ambitious goal, but also an achievable one. ‘Green Growth, Smart Growth’ outlines a way forward in this great transformation, and does so in the conviction that the dangers posed by climate change can be overcome through a new approach to economics, innovation and proactive policymaking.

Winner of the 2014 European Book Prize. A "United States of Europe", Winston Churchill proposed in 1946, could "as if by a miracle transform" that "turbulent and mighty continent". "In this way only", he continued, "will hundreds of millions of toilers be able to regain the simple joys and hopes which make life worth living". Today, nearly seventy years later, over 500 million people live in the member states of the European Union – a greater number than in any other political community save for China and India. The currency of the Union, the euro, is used in economic transactions world-wide. Yet the EU is mired in the greatest crisis of its history, one that threatens its very existence as an entity able to have an impact upon world affairs. Europe no longer seems so mighty, instead but faces the threat of becoming an irrelevant backwater or, worse, once again the scene of turbulent conflicts. Divisions are arising all over Europe, while the popularity of the Union sinks. How can this situation be turned around? Now published as a revised and updated paperback that takes account of the May 2014 elections to the European Parliament, Turbulent and Mighty Continent makes a powerful case for a far-reaching and fundamental renewal of the European project as a whole.

Sociologi är en av världens ledande introduktionsböcker till sociologi och har under snart 25 år lästs av tusentals sociologi­studenter över hela världen. Boken väver samman en internationell överblick över dagens samhällen med en gedigen genomgång av disciplinens teoretiska huvuddrag. Boken ger en klar och överskådlig introduktion till sociologin som ämne och visar hur viktigt det är att ha en förståelse för hur samhället fungerar för att man som individ ska kunna engagera sig i centrala samhällsfrågor.Denna upplaga, den femte på svenska, har reviderats och moderniserats i sin helhet. Den ger god överblick över den senaste tidens utveckling i världen och redogör för nya idéer inom sociologin. ­Klassiska debatter behandlas utförligt och även de mest komplicerade tankarna förklaras på ett engagerande och pedagogiskt sätt. Den nya upplagan innehåller också ny och uppdaterad information om den globala finanskrisen, sociala oroligheter (från studentprotester och protester mot åtstramningspolitiken till den arabiska våren), klimatförändringen och miljön, ny mediateknik, feministisk samhällsteori, intersektionalitet samt den förändrade maktfördelningen i världen.Sociologi innehåller allt som en sociologibok på introduktionsnivå bör göra. Bredden och omfattningen gör den till ett perfekt verk för universitetsstudenten som går sin första sociologikurs, och den kommer att ge inspiration åt en ny generation sociologer. Boken har anpassats för att vara relevant för svenska studenter och försetts med material som möjliggör för studenten att snabbt orientera sig om svenska förhållanden.

The studies which comprise this book are essentially organized around a critical encounter with European social theory in its 'classical period' – i.e. from the middle years of the nineteenth century until the First World War – and have the aim of working out some of the implications of that encounter for the position and prospects of the social sciences today. The issues involved relate to the following series of problems: method and epistemology; social development and transformation; the origins of 'sociology' in nineteenth-century social theory; and the status of social science as critique. In each of these areas, Giddens develops views that challenge existing orthodoxies, and connects these ideas to a reconstruction of social theory in the contemporary era.

Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology cannot afford to stand still. Sociology today is theoretically diverse, covers a huge range of subjects and draws 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 is constantly evolving and changing. 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 into historical and theoretical context, explores its main meanings in use, introduces some 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 citizenship, the environment and intersectionality.It will be essential reading for all those new to sociology, as well as those seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world.

Winner of the 2014 European Book Prize. A "United States of Europe", Winston Churchill proposed in 1946, could "as if by a miracle transform" that "turbulent and mighty continent". "In this way only", he continued, "will hundreds of millions of toilers be able to regain the simple joys and hopes which make life worth living". Today, nearly seventy years later, over 500 million people live in the member states of the European Union – a greater number than in any other political community save for China and India. The currency of the Union, the euro, is used in economic transactions world-wide. Yet the EU is mired in the greatest crisis of its history, one that threatens its very existence as an entity able to have an impact upon world affairs. Europe no longer seems so mighty, instead but faces the threat of becoming an irrelevant backwater or, worse, once again the scene of turbulent conflicts. Divisions are arising all over Europe, while the popularity of the Union sinks. How can this situation be turned around? Now published as a revised and updated paperback that takes account of the May 2014 elections to the European Parliament, Turbulent and Mighty Continent makes a powerful case for a far-reaching and fundamental renewal of the European project as a whole.