Author Description

This comprehensive Encyclopedia serves as an authoritative reference on global postwar social theory. It examines how the field has responded to critiques of occidental and colonial bias and provides a state of the art which is both original and global in its approach and coverage. Compiled by expert authors, the Encyclopedia outlines different regional strands of social theory, demonstrating how they conceptualize the international social order and contribute to understanding globalization processes. It identifies key concepts in contemporary social thought, addressing issues such as methodological nationalism, post-colonialism, globalization and world society. Entries emphasize the vital role of social theory in understanding society and set a new standard for reviewing ideas and concepts in the discipline. This Encyclopedia is breaking new ground and helping to define Global Social Theory in the 21st century. Students and scholars of sociology and social theory will greatly benefit from this invaluable Encyclopedia. It is also an essential resource for scholars in interdisciplinary global studies and postcolonial studies. Key Features: Develops analysis and theorization of the modern social world Provides 65 entries from leading international scholars Presents state-of-the-art research overviews of the key topics and debates