Encyclopedia Of Social Theory

Description:
'The Encyclopedia of Social Theory', two-volume set, is an indispensable reference source for anyone interested in understanding the roots of contemporary social theory. It examines the global landscape of all the key theories and the theorists behind them and presents them in the context needed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of all the key areas of the discipline.These include: Structural fundamentalism; Marxist theory; Critical theory; Phenomenology; Ethnomethodology; Exchange theory; Rational choice; Feminism; Multiculturalism; and Postmodernism. 'The Encyclopedia of Social Theory' draws together a team of international scholars led by the editor, George Ritzer, one of the most prolific social theorists. This is a benchmark reference tool for understanding the development, achievements and prospects of social theory. Key features and benefits include: over 280 entries; a master bibliography; a complete Reader's Guide; extensive biographical coverage of the major theorists; and extensive cross-referencing.

Review:
'On the whole, this will be a useful resource for beginning researchers in the social sciences, or users requiring basic definitions or biographies. Recommended for large public and academic libraries.' -- Ellen D. Gilbert LIBRARY JOURNAL 20050101 'Ritzer has assembled a wonderfully rich resource on social theory. Any subject encyclopedia's aims are to be on point, authoritative, and intelligible, and to lead readers to further information; Ritzer's meets those aims... Highly recommended.' -- S.W. Nicholson CHOICE 20050301 This scholarly guide surveys the fundamental ideas of social theory and the contributions of social theorists from the Enlightenment to the present... this useful guide provides an excellent starting place for both student and scholar, and it is highly recommended for academic libraries. -- John R.M. Lawrence Lawrence Looks at Books 20050501

Author Biography:
George Ritzer is Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, where he has also been a Distinguished Scholar-Teacher and won a Teaching Excellence Award. He was awarded the 2000 distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award by the American Sociological Association and an honorary doctorate from LaTrobe University in australia. He is best-known for The McDonaldization of Society (translated into over a dozen languages) and McDonaldization: The Reader 3 as well as several related books, including expressing America: A Critique of the Global Credit Card Society, Enchanting a Disenchanted World 3, The Globalization of Nothing 2, Globalization: A Basic Text, and The Outsourcing of Everything (forthcoming, with Craig Lair). He is the Editor of the Encyclopedia of Social Theory (2 vols.), the Encyclopedia of Sociology (11 vols.), is currently editing the Encyclopedia of Globalization (5 vols.), and is Founding Editor of the Journal of Consumer Culture.