Critical Social Theory

Craig Calhoun is Professor of Sociology and History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the editor of Habermas and the Public Sphere (1992) and Social Theory and the Politics of Identity (Blackwell, 1994).

• Introduction. 1. Rethinking Critical Theory.2. Interpretation, Comparison and Critique.3. Cultural Difference and Historical Specificity.4. Postmodernism as Pseudohistory: The Trivialization of Epochal Change.5. Habitus, Field and Capital: Historical Specificity in the Theory of Practice.6. The Standpoint of Critique? Feminist Theory, Social Structure and Learning from Experience.7. The Politics of Identity and Recognition.8. Nationalism and Difference: The Politics of Identity Writ Large.Conclusion

"This is social theory at its very best. In a host of domains - concerning cultural difference, postmodernism, the politics of identity, and nationalism - Calhoun breaks new ground." Charles Taylor "This is a very well informed and very rigorous critical survey of Critical Social Theory." Pierre Bourdieu"A brilliant synthesis of theory and history: Calhoun works at the cutting edge, facing the future but carrying his traditions with him." Peter Beilharz"This book explores Critical Theory's origins, but more importantly it also shows how certain contemporary writers, despite not usually being recognised as such, have as much claim to the title 'critical theorist' as did Adorno and Horkheimer. It is this essential extension of critical analysis into today's body of theoretical concerns that gives the book its particular importance." Alan Sica