Policy Press

Social Theory

Showing 1-12 of 83 items.

Liquid Racism

Brexit, Education and Youth Culture

This innovative book takes Bauman’s notions of ‘liquid modernity’ one step further to develop a theory of ‘liquid racism’. The authors show that while post-race theory argues that society is moving beyond racism, in reality, historical manifestations of racism continue. Except, society is now faced with a racism whose structures have changed .

Bristol Uni Press

The Sociology of Emotions

Feminist, Cultural and Sociological Perspectives

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the field of the Sociology of Emotions, incorporating sociological, feminist and cultural perspectives. It will be essential reading for researchers and students seeking a current and interdisciplinary resource covering a wide range of international material in the field of Sociology of Emotions.

Bristol Uni Press

How To Create Societies for Human Wellbeing

How to Create Societies for Human Wellbeing presents a compelling new perspective on psychological wellbeing informed by evidence on human stress responses. It shows how our mental health is shaped by the social and cultural conditions in which we all live and offers new ways to respond through political and social change.

Policy Press

Critical Race Theory and the Search for Truth

This book explores Critical Race Theory, tracing its origins, problems and potential, and critiquing liberal and conservative perspectives. Centring marginalized voices, it emphasizes their role as change agents rejected by both sides. A unique resource for understanding and dismantling systemic racism.

Bristol Uni Press

Love and the Market

How to Recover from the Enlightenment and Survive the Current Crisis

Revisiting philosophical developments, historical figures and events, including Adam Smith, colonialism and modernity, this interdisciplinary book presents a ‘loving critique’ of society. It shows how learning to love better is key to releasing ourselves from the alienating grip of the market.

Bristol Uni Press

Uncomfortably Off

Why the Top 10% of Earners Should Care about Inequality

People in the top 10% of earners often drive politics, the public conversation and much of the private sector. This book draws attention to this potentially powerful section of society and explains why it is in their interest that inequality is reduced.

Policy Press

More-Than-Human Aesthetics

Venturing Beyond the Bifurcation of Nature

This imaginative collection invites readers to explore how a broader view of aesthetics can reshape areas like, medicine, arts and education, challenging how we think about knowledge. It is an agenda-setting contribution to understanding the significance of aesthetics in science and technology studies.

Bristol Uni Press

Trafficking Chains

Modern Slavery in Society

This book offers a theory of trafficking and modern slavery with implications for policy. Going beyond polarised debates on the sex trade, this book shows the importance of coercion and the societal complexities that perpetuate modern slavery.

Bristol Uni Press

Understanding Theories and Concepts in Social Policy

Demonstrating the relevance of theory to political and policy debates and practice, this dynamic and fully updated second edition helps students to grasp the real-life implications of social policy theory. It includes a new chapter featuring debates around disability, sexuality and the environment.

Policy Press

Interpreting Subcultures

Approaching, Contextualizing, and Embodying Sense-Making Practices in Alternative Cultures

This book makes an unprecedented contribution to the field by explaining the interpretive processes through which subcultural phenomena are studied. Examining dimensions of interpretivism, it reveals how and why people decide to use specific conceptual frames or methodologies and how they shape their interpretations of everyday realities.

Bristol Uni Press

Alienation and Wellbeing

This book offers insights into the argument that capitalist society damages human health and well-being. Drawing on and bringing Marx’s theory of alienation forward to the present day, it uniquely links it to well-being.

Bristol Uni Press

Narrative Research Now

Critical Perspectives on the Promise of Stories

Supported by the editors’ popular podcast Narrative Now, this interdisciplinary volume explores the capacities and limitations of narrative research. It maps out new directions for the field while honouring its legacy.

Bristol Uni Press