An anthology that thematizes the dramatic upward and downward shifts that have created the social theory. It includes sections on such issues as imperialism, power, civilization clash, health, and performance.

This is the first anthology to thematize the dramatic upward and downward shifts that have created the new social theory, and to present this new and exciting body of work in a thoroughly trans-disciplinary manner. In this revised second edition readers are provided with a much greater range of thinkers and perspectives, including new sections on such issues as imperialism, power, civilization clash, health and performance. The first section sets out the main schools of contemporary thought, from Habermas and Honneth on new critical theory, to Jameson and Hall on cultural studies, and Foucault and Bourdieu on poststructuralism. The sections that follow trace theory debates as they become more issues-based and engaged. They are: the post-foundational debates over morality, justice and epistemological truth the social meaning of nationalism, multiculturalism and globalization identity debates around gender, sexuality, race, the self and post-coloniality. This new edition provides more ample biographical and intellectual introductions to each thinker, and substantial introductions to each of the major sections. The editors introduce the volume with a newly revised, interpretive overview of social theory today. The New Social Theory Reader is an essential, reliable guide to current theoretical debates.

"Seidman and Alexander compiled a collection of essays on social theory in 2001. In the time since enough has changed to warrant a much expanded second edition. The authors give in-depth introductions to each section. The first articles review the latest theories. Then they move from macro to microcosm. From ephemeral concepts like truth, ethics and justice, the authors then look at new ways of defining power, then societies: postmodern, multi-cultural, national, global and imperial. The final focus is on self-definition by race, nationality, gender, sexuality and post colonial identification. Many of the articles have already appeared in a variety of journals. This updated edition is of interest to sociologists and ideal for university classrooms." - Book News Inc.,August 2008