Policy Press

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.

Showing 145-156 of 285 items.

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.

Bristol Uni Press

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.

Bristol Uni Press

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.

Policy Press

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.

Policy Press

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.

Policy Press

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.

Bristol Uni Press

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.

Policy Press

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.

Policy Press

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.

Bristol Uni Press

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.

Bristol Uni Press

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.

Policy Press

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.

Policy Press