From Enlightenment to Risk

Simon Clarke

Social Theory and Contemporary Society

From Enlightenment to Risk offers an original analysis of the sociological theories of contemporary society. Exploring a largely neglected area of study, the author provides fascinating new insights into social theories and how they are applied to contemporary social Problems.

The book considers the historical and theoretical unfolding of contemporary sociological criticism of modern society. It charts a critical path from Max Weber, the early Frankfurt School, through to the work of Michel Foucault, the concept of Postmodernism, and finally the debates surrounding globalisation, risk and network society. Clearly organised around different epochs, this book presents both a clear introduction to sociological thought and a novel critique of some of the most contemporary debates in sociological and critical theory.

Covering all the key ideas and thinkers, this book will be an encouraging and lucid read for all those seeking to understand contemporary social theory today.

Simon Clarke is Director of the Centre for Psycho-Social Studies and Reader in the School of Sociology at the University of the West of England. He has published widely on the interface between social and psychoanalytic theory, social conflict, emotion and ethnic hatred. He is the author of Social Theory, Psychoanalysis and Racism and is Editor of the international journal Psychoanalysis, Culture & Society.