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This is a textbook with a twist. Written as a novel, from the perspective of Mila, a student new to sociology, it is a brilliantly engaging introduction to the discipline and to the fundamental questions that have exercised the minds of the most important sociological thinkers. It offers refreshingly clear explanations of the most important aspects of sociology and exposes students to social theory and how it relates to our everyday experiences. Students are encouraged to engage critically and personally with sociological ideas, and in the process learn how to interpret, use and reshape them. This revised second edition offers an ideal alternative to traditional texts for introductory sociology modules. It is also highly valuable for modules on sociological and social theory. New to this Edition: - Improved narrative structure with enhanced focus on sociological ideas - Includes new pedagogical features such as Mila's end-of-chapter doodles and a glossary of key terms - Accompanied by a new companion website with a Guide and Videos for lecturers, and a flashcard glossary anda Sociology timeline for students
A belief in individual self-determination powered the development of universal human rights and inspired social movements from anti-slavery to socialism and feminism. At the same time, every attempt to embed individualism in systems of education and employment has eventually led to increased social inequality. Across the globe individualism has been transformed from a revolutionary force into an explanation for increasingly unequal societies where dissent is largely silent. This book explores the possibility of rediscovering the original, transformative potential of individualism.
This volume draws on some of the developments in social theory to examine the different dimensions of nation and nationalism in contemporary Wales. It considers whether or not people have a clear sense of what a national identity might be.
There is a continuing popular debate in the Western world about values, and in particular those values by which we conduct our private lives. This debate reflects a genuine confusion about morality; it seems that we are more unsure about where right and wrong may lie than at any previous point in our history. In The Demoralization of Western Culture Ralph Fevre undertakes an explanation of these difficulties. He argues that their most important source lies in the popularity of a particular sort of reasoning, a sub-category of rationality called 'common sense' which came to dominate our thinking during the twentieth century. He looks at why this sort of reasoning has proved so persuasive and ...
This book is available as open access through the Bloomsbury Open Access programme and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. Trouble in the workplace - whether it is bullying, harassment or stress - is always in the headlines. Yet, in many discussions, the research and statistics that are cited prove unreliable. This book summarizes the largest specialist research programme on ill-treatment in the workplace so far undertaken. It provides a powerful antidote to half-truths and misinformation and offers a new way of conceptualizing trouble at work, moving the discussion away from individualized explanations - and talk of 'bullies' and 'victims' - towards the workplace characteristics that cause trouble at work. The biggest problems arise where organisations fail to create a workplace culture in which individuals really matter. Paradoxically, these are often the organizations which are well-versed in modern management practices.
Alun Howkins' panoramic survey is a social history of rural England and Wales in the twentieth century. He examines the impact of the First World War, the role of agriculture throughout the century, and the expectations of the countryside that modern urban people harbour. Howkins analyzes the role of rural England as a place for work as well as leisure, and the problems caused by these often conflicting roles. This overview will be welcomed by anyone interested in agricultural and social history, historical geographers, and all those interested in rural affairs.
Equality of opportunity is a contested concept. It evokes strong emotions from proponents and opponents alike. Enduring issues of inequality and discrimination mean that it remains at the forefront of political priorities in the twenty-first century. Traditional analyses tend to focus on developments at the level of the unitary state or European Union. In contrast, this book underlines the salience of multi-level governance and offers the first detailed comparative analysis of contemporary efforts to promote equality of opportunity in the wake of constitutional reform in the UK. It presents a summary of social theory on equalities in relation to gender, and a full range of social groups and ...
This report constitutes an exploratory study of the submerged mass of learning which takes place informally and implicitly. It considers the importance of informal lerning in the formation of knowledge and skills and policies to widen participation.
The British Sociological Association held a conference on the theme "Sociology and History". In 1964, E.H. Carr had called for an open frontier between the disciplines. This book examines the traffic across this frontier and in particular, what might be called the sociological uses of history.