Introducing you to the most important thinkers and schools of thought in contemporary sociological theory – from Parsons and Merton to the Frankfurt School to Foucault, Bourdieu, Giddens and Hochschild – this accessible textbook firmly locates key ideas in social, political and historical context.By doing so, it helps you to understand the development of central sociological concepts and how they can help us understand the contemporary world.The book includes: Lively biographical sections so you can get to know each thinker Clear and easy-to-understand accounts of each theorist’s arguments - and the most common criticismsKey concept boxes highlighting the most influential ideas This comprehensive textbook brings the diverse field of contemporary sociological theory to life.Essential reading for all students of Sociology and Sociological Theory.