Social theory is introduced as the construction and connection of concepts which make social inquiry possible while appreciating that the study of society is never truly objective. The relationship between positionality, politics, research, and knowledge production is discussed and ideas from critical theorists, feminist theorists, and decolonial, and critical race theorists are foregrounded. Travelling chronologically and thematically from the birth of the discipline and the work of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim through to intersectionality, queer theory, and decolonial and postcolonial theory, this book gives students a strong foundation in the broad field of social theory while also encouraging them to think critically about the theories and theorists presented.

Equipped with end-of-chapter questions and further reading, this book will be essential reading for any student studying social theory for the first time.