
Essential Concepts in Sociology
Polity Press
4th Edition
Will be published approx. on 27. March 2026
Book
Hardback
248 pages
978-1-5095-7416-2 (ISBN)
Description
Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, contemporary sociology is a theoretically diverse enterprise, covering a huge range of subjects and drawing on a broad array of research methods. Central to this endeavour is the use of core concepts and ideas which allow sociologists to make sense of societies, though our understanding of these concepts necessarily evolves and changes.
This clear and jargon-free book introduces a careful selection of essential concepts that have helped to shape sociology and continue to do so. Going beyond brief, dictionary-style definitions, Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton provide an extended discussion of each concept which sets it in historical and theoretical context, explores its main meanings in use, introduces relevant criticisms, and points readers to its ongoing development in contemporary research and theorizing.
Organized in ten thematic sections, the book offers a portrait of sociology through its essential concepts, ranging from capitalism, identity and deviance to the digital revolution, environment, postcolonialism and intersectionality. It will be essential reading for all those new to sociology as well as anyone seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world.
This clear and jargon-free book introduces a careful selection of essential concepts that have helped to shape sociology and continue to do so. Going beyond brief, dictionary-style definitions, Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton provide an extended discussion of each concept which sets it in historical and theoretical context, explores its main meanings in use, introduces relevant criticisms, and points readers to its ongoing development in contemporary research and theorizing.
Organized in ten thematic sections, the book offers a portrait of sociology through its essential concepts, ranging from capitalism, identity and deviance to the digital revolution, environment, postcolonialism and intersectionality. It will be essential reading for all those new to sociology as well as anyone seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world.
More details
Edition
4th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Laminated cover
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
516 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5095-7416-2 (9781509574162)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
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Anthony Giddens | Philip W. Sutton
Essential Concepts in Sociology
E-Book
05/2026
4th Edition
Polity Press
€13.99
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Anthony Giddens | Philip W. Sutton
Essential Concepts in Sociology
Book
03/2026
4th Edition
Polity Press
€19.00
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Previous edition

Anthony Giddens | Philip W. Sutton
Essential Concepts in Sociology
Book
04/2021
3rd Edition
Polity Press
€88.20
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Persons
Anthony Giddens is the former director of the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Life Fellow of Kings College, Cambridge, and a member of the House of Lords, UK. He is a very influential sociologist and social theorist, and his many books include The Third Way and The Consequences of Modernity.
Philip W. Sutton is an independent researcher formerly of the University of Leeds and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.
Philip W. Sutton is an independent researcher formerly of the University of Leeds and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.
Author
London School of Economics and Political Science
Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
Content
Introduction
Theme 1 Thinking Sociologically
Digital Revolution
Globalization
Modernity
Postcolonialism
Postmodernity
Rationalization
Society
Theme 2 Doing Sociology
Ideal Type
Qualitative/Quantitative Methods
Realism
Reflexivity
Science
Social Constructionism
Structure/Agency
Theme 3 Environment and Urbanism
Alienation
Environment
Industrialization
Migration
Risk
Sustainable Development
Urbanism
Theme 4 Structure of Society
Bureaucracy
Capitalism
Consumerism
Division of Labor
Education
Organization
Religion
Theme 5 Unequal Life Chances
Class
Gender
Intersectionality
Patriarchy
Poverty
Race and Ethnicity
Social Mobility
Status
Theme 6 Relationships and the Life Course
Community
Family
Life Course
Network
Sexuality
Socialization
Theme 7 Interaction and Communication
Culture
Discourse
Identity
Ideology
Interaction
Media
Public Sphere
Theme 8 Health, Illness and the Body
Biomedicine
Medicalization
Sick Role
Social Model of Disability
Social Self
Theme 9 Crime and Social Control
Anomie
Deviance
Labelling
Moral Panic
Social Control
Stigma
Theme 10 Political Sociology
Authority
Citizenship
Conflict
Democracy
Nation State
Power
Social Movement
Theme 1 Thinking Sociologically
Digital Revolution
Globalization
Modernity
Postcolonialism
Postmodernity
Rationalization
Society
Theme 2 Doing Sociology
Ideal Type
Qualitative/Quantitative Methods
Realism
Reflexivity
Science
Social Constructionism
Structure/Agency
Theme 3 Environment and Urbanism
Alienation
Environment
Industrialization
Migration
Risk
Sustainable Development
Urbanism
Theme 4 Structure of Society
Bureaucracy
Capitalism
Consumerism
Division of Labor
Education
Organization
Religion
Theme 5 Unequal Life Chances
Class
Gender
Intersectionality
Patriarchy
Poverty
Race and Ethnicity
Social Mobility
Status
Theme 6 Relationships and the Life Course
Community
Family
Life Course
Network
Sexuality
Socialization
Theme 7 Interaction and Communication
Culture
Discourse
Identity
Ideology
Interaction
Media
Public Sphere
Theme 8 Health, Illness and the Body
Biomedicine
Medicalization
Sick Role
Social Model of Disability
Social Self
Theme 9 Crime and Social Control
Anomie
Deviance
Labelling
Moral Panic
Social Control
Stigma
Theme 10 Political Sociology
Authority
Citizenship
Conflict
Democracy
Nation State
Power
Social Movement