Modernity and Its Futures

Modernity and its Futures is a major introductory textbook which examines the forces reshaping modern industrial societies and the new patterns, structures and relationships that are emerging in the contemporary world. The key debates about these changes are introduced and critically discussed; they include the transformation of Eastern Europe, the collapse of the USSR, globalisation, environmental challenges, post industrialism, cultural change and post-modernism. The book also looks back to the formation of modern societies, and of social science, to explore the character of modernity and the relationship between early-modern and post-modern societies, and assess whether the paradigms and theories used to analyse modern societies are adequate for social formations today.

Designed as an introduction to modern societies and modern sociological analyses, this book is of value to students on a wide variety of social science courses in universities and colleges, and also for readers with no prior knowledge of sociology. Selected readings from major social theorists are integrated into each chapter, together with student questions and exercises.

List of contents

Preface.
Introduction.

1. Liberalism, Marxism and Democracy: David Held.

2. A Global Society: Anthony McGrew.

3. Environmnetal Challenges: Steven Yearley.

4. Post-Industrialism and Post-Fordism: John Allen.

5. Social Pluralism adn Post-Modernity: Kenneth Thompson.

6. The Question of Cultural Identity: Stuart Hall.

7. The Enlightenment Project Revisited: Gregor McLennan.

Acknowledgements.

Index.

About the author

Stuart Hall is Professor of Sociology, David Held is Professor in Politics and Sociology and Anthony McGrew is Senior Lecturer in Politics, all at the Open University.

Product details

• Authors: Stuart Hall, David Held, Tony McGrew
• Assisted by: Stuart Hall (Editor), David Held (Editor), Held David (Editor), Tony McGrew (Editor), McGrew Tony (Editor)
• Publisher: Wiley & Sons
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 03.11.1992
• EAN: 9780745609669
• ISBN: 978-0-7456-0966-9
• No. of pages: 408
• Illustrations: w. ill.
• Series: Understanding Modern Societies
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; Cultural Studies, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, Sociology & anthropology, Sociology and anthropology