Anthony Giddens [Paperback]

The Giddens phenomenon has been one of the most obvious and talked about features of world sociology since the late 1960s. This book, first published in 1992, provides a prudent and essential critical introduction to one of the leading sociologists of our time. The book is intended to provide an accessible introduction to Gidden's work and also to situate structuration theory in the context of other approaches. The reissue will be of interest to students of Sociology and those working in the other social sciences.

1. Out of Chaos?  2. The Theoretical Omelette  3. Structuration Theory  4. Giddenss Substantive Sociology  5. Empirical Sociology and Critical Theory  6. The Trouble with Syntheses  7. The Problem with Structures  8. The Problem with People  9. The Problem with Modernity  10. The Importance of Structuration Theory.'Given that Giddens's theorrtical project is still in full and far from being completed, Craib's book offers a consistent, readable rendition of the story so far : a useful summary of everything accomplished to-date and an inventory of unresolved issues and open-ended questions. To synthesize in such a way is a tall order, and, Craib has acquitted himself of the challenging task better than most other writers'.Zygmunt Bauman, Professor of Sociology, Leeds University.