Handbook of Social Theory

Handbook of Social Theory, edited by George Ritzer and Barry Smart, offers a thorough exploration of the evolution and enduring significance of social thought. This 552-page volume, published by Sage Publications Inc in 2003, brings together eminent international scholars to provide a critical survey of the field, inviting readers to delve into both its historical roots and its modern challenges. The first section revisits the classical tradition, illustrating the continued relevance of foundational thinkers such as Comte, Spencer, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Mead, Freud, and others along with early feminist insights. It reveals how these figures and ideas remain a vibrant part of ongoing debates in social theory. In its second segment, the book tackles contemporary strands of thought by engaging with structural functionalism, modern interpretations of Marxian theory, critical theory, symbolic interactionism, phenomenology, ethnomethodology, and rational choice perspectives. The discussion enriches the reader’s understanding of current theoretical landscapes and the merits and shortcomings of various approaches. The final section addresses pressing debates by examining issues such as positivism, meta-theorizing, cultural studies, consumption, gender dynamics, globalization, nationalism, and ethics in knowledge societies. This detailed and panoramic study makes Handbook of Social Theory an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and anyone keen to understand the dilemmas and promises inherent in modern social theory.