Sociology and Social Theory
Sociology is a growth area for us and our books in sociology and social theory include exciting work from new authors and well-known academics, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate textbooks.
Our wide range of sociology and social theory books include high quality research and range from textbooks through to specialised monographs. Many also ‘make a difference’ in a tangible way, whether it be informing a key policy or practice debate, or improving the education of students.
Precarity and Ageing
Understanding Insecurity and Risk in Later Life
This edited collection develops an exciting new approach to understanding the changing cultural, economic and social circumstances facing different groups of older people.
Practice-Based Research in Children's Play
Offering a fresh look to complement the dominant singular voice of developmental psychology, this unique collection of 12 research projects carried out in the UK and USA is essential reading for anyone studying or working with children at play.
Poverty, Inequality and Social Work
The Impact of Neo-Liberalism and Austerity Politics on Welfare Provision
A critical analysis of the domino effect of neoliberalism and austerity on social work. Applying theory including those of Bourdieu and Wacquant to practice, it argues that social work should return to a focus on relational and community approaches.
Poverty in Italy
Features and Drivers in a European Perspective
Three leading sociologists examine Italy’s regime of poverty and the frequently misunderstood context of familialism in this in-depth study. With analysis of poverty’s roots and development and modern trends including the migrant ‘new poor’, it adds European perspectives for a better understanding of a persistent crisis.
A Post-Neoliberal Era in Latin America?
Revisiting cultural paradigms
This book explores neoliberalism in contemporary Latin America as a set of interrelated cultural forms, offering a transnational and comparative perspective on the ways in which neoliberalism has transformed public discourses of self and social relationships, popular cultures and modes of everyday experience.
The Politics of Scale in Policy
Scalecraft and Education Governance
Drawing on empirical data from the field of education governance, the book traces how scales are crafted and mobilised in policymaking practices, demonstrating that ‘scalecraft’ is key to understanding the production of hegemony.
The Politics of Compassion
Immigration and Asylum Policy
Through case studies from Australia, Europe and the US, this book explores how emotion is central to understanding the formation of immigration policy. The author looks beyond the ‘negative’ emotions of fear and hostility to examine the politics of compassion in immigration and asylum policy discourse.
The Politics of Civil Society
Big Society and Small Government
In the second, revised edition of this indispensable book, the author looks behind 'the mirror of power' to discover the reality of civil society - or 'Big Society', as it has become known.
Pioneering Social Research
Life Stories of a Generation
Presenting the landmark Pioneers life stories project, this one-of-a-kind book documents how modern social research in the UK was shaped. It combines a fascinating history of the generations who built outstanding and influential social research with a valuable resource for future research and teaching on methods.
A Philosophy of the Social Construction of Crime
This book situates the social construction of crime and criminal behaviour within the philosophical context of phenomenology and explores how these constructions inform, and justify, the policies employed to address them. It is essential reading for academics and students interested in social theory and theories of criminology.
Philosophical Criminology
This accessible book is structured around six philosophical ideas concerning our relations with others: values, morality, aesthetics, order, rules and respect. Using examples from a range of countries, it provides a platform for engaging with important topical issues.
Personhood, Identity and Care in Advanced Old Age
Pushing forward new sociological theory, this book explores the theoretical and practical issues raised by ageing, and the associated problems of mental and physical frailty in later life.