Politics and Social Theory

Politics and Social Theory invites social theorists, sociologists and political scientists to integrate their work more closely. Developing an original framework for understanding the society-politics relation, it calls on political analysts to recognise the 'inescapably social' elements of politica [...]
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Politics and Social Theory invites social theorists, sociologists and political scientists to integrate their work more closely. Developing an original framework for understanding the society-politics relation, it calls on political analysts to recognise the 'inescapably social' elements of political ideas and action, and sociologists to be aware of the 'irreducibly political' aspects of social life. The book shows how social theory can explain, critique and even constitute political practice. The argument is pursued through substantive chapters devoted to: * the state and governance * political identity and participation * culture, ideology and discourse Each chapter contains a detailed analysis of how classic and contemporary social theories approach the topic. In-depth case studies then highlight how such theories influence -and are influenced by- empirical political research and action. Examples include the active state within globalisation; the rise of citizen-co-governance; political consumerism as activism; and the hegemony of neoliberal ideology. Chapters conclude with analysis of what each topic reveals about the wider society-politics relation.This book is essential reading for students and researchers seeking to understand politics in its social context, theoretically and empirically.