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.
Living Data
Making Sense of Health Biosensing
This book critiques the popular claim that ‘more information’ equates to ‘better health’ and explores the potential challenges related to people’s changing relationships with traditional health systems as access to, and control over data shifts.
Living Against Austerity
A Feminist Investigation of Doing Activism and Being Activist
This engaging study of anti-austerity protest provides a valuable feminist perspective on activism at a time when austerity policy is disproportionately impacting women. It brings together lived experiences of activist culture and contextual analysis to explore the motivations and emotions associated with it—both positive and negative.
Like Mother, Like Daughter?
How Career Women Influence their Daughters' Ambition
Women are encouraged to believe that they can occupy top jobs in society by the example of other women thriving in their careers. This book shows that having a mother as a role model does not predict daughters progressing in their own careers. It offers a timely and original perspective on the debate about gender equality in leadership positions.
Life in the Debt Trap
Stories of Children and Families Struggling with Debt
The first hand stories in this book, collected through The Children's Society's campaign The Debt Trap, offer a unique understanding of life for families and children fighting a daily battle against poverty and debt.
Liberty, equality, fraternity
Paul Spicker's new book takes the three founding principles of the French Revolution - Liberty, Equality, Fraternity - and examines how they relate to social policy today. The book considers the political and moral dimensions of a wide range of social policies, and offers a different way of thinking about each subject.
Liberalism, Childhood and Justice
Ethical Issues in Upbringing
Fowler provides an innovative critical exploration of ethical issues in children’s upbringing through the lens of political philosophy, calling for a radical new understanding of what constitutes wellbeing, the duties of parents and the collective obligations of state and society in guaranteeing children flourishing lives.
Leading Public Sector Innovation (Second Edition)
Co-creating for a Better Society
Thoroughly revised to take account of the latest literature and international developments in the field. Drawing on global research and practical examples, Bason illustrates the key triggers and practices of public sector innovation.
Leading public sector innovation
Co-creating for a better society
Using global case studies and many practical examples, this book explores the innovation challenges that face the public sector today.
Law and Society in a Populist Age
Balancing Individual Rights and the Common Good
Amitai Etzioni argues for a new liberal communitarian approach as an effective response to populism. The book considers national security versus privacy, private sector responsibility, freedom of the press, campaign finance reform, regulatory law and the legal status of terrorists, offering a timely discussion of key issues.
Lande: The Calais 'Jungle' and Beyond
How can Archaeology help us understand our contemporary world? This ground-breaking book reflects on material, visual and digital culture from the Calais “Jungle” to reassess how we understand ‘crisis’, activism, and the infrastructure of national borders in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies.
Knowledge in Policy
Embodied, Inscribed, Enacted
The novel theoretical framework offered in this book presents a radical reconception of the place of knowledge in contemporary policy making in Europe.
Kill It to Save It
An Autopsy of Capitalism’s Triumph over Democracy
Kill it to save it lays bare the hypocrisy of US political discourse by documenting the story of capitalism’s triumph over democracy. Dolgon argues that American citizens now accept policies that destroy the public sector and promote political stories that feel right “in the gut”, regardless of science or facts.