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.
Parenting the Crisis
The Cultural Politics of Parent-Blame
This book examines how pathologising ideas of failing, chaotic and dysfunctional families create a powerful consensus that Britain is in the grip of a ‘parent crisis’ and are used to justify increasingly punitive state policies.
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.
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.
Local Social Innovation to Combat Poverty and Exclusion
A Critical Appraisal
Based on more than 30 case studies in eight different countries, this book explores the governance dynamics of local social innovations in the field of poverty reduction, illustrating how different governance dynamics and welfare mixes enable or hinder poverty reduction strategies.
Gangs, Drugs and (Dis)Organised Crime
Drawing upon unique empirical data based on interviews with high-profile ex-offenders and experts in the field, this book sheds new light on drug markets, organised crime and gangs in the UK. McLean sparks new debate on the subject, offering solutions and alternatives for how to best tackle gang violence.
Belonging in Translation
Solidarity and Migrant Activism in Japan
This is the first book to investigate how migrants and migrant rights activists work together to generate new forms of citizenship identities in a multilingual setting. Based on robust theoretical engagement and detailed empirical analysis, Shindo's book makes a compelling case for rethinking citizenship and community from the angle of language.
Negotiating Migration in the Context of Climate Change
International Policy and Discourse
Assessing migration in the context of climate change, Nash draws on empirical research to offer a unique analysis of policy-making in the field. This detailed account is a vital step in understanding the links between global discourses on human mobilities, climate change and specific policy responses.
The Allied Health Professions
A Sociological Perspective
Drawing on case studies from optometrists, physiotherapists, pedorthists and allied health assistants, this book offers an innovative comparison of allied health occupations in Australia and Britain. Adopting a theory of the sociology of health professions, it explores how the allied health professions can achieve their professional goals.
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.
Narcissistic Parenting in an Insecure World
A History of Parenting Culture 1920s to Present
Harry Hendrick shows how broader social changes, including neoliberalism, feminism, the collapse of the social-democratic ideal, and the 'new behaviourism', have led to the rise of the anxious and narcissistic parent, In this provocative history of parenting.
Alternatives to Neoliberalism
Towards Equality and Democracy
With contributions from innovative social and policy analysts including Colin Crouch, Anna Coote, Grahame Thompson and Ted Benton, this collection provides a revised framework for social democracy.
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.