Reviews

Central Problems in Social Theory: Action, Structure, and Contradiction in Social Analysis by Anthony Giddens

carrie_grace_doss's review against another edition

I am definitely not a fan of this type of social theory. In my opinion, Giddens is so abstract that it make my brain hurt trying to understand. We only read the first few chapters for my analytical archaeology class so I’m cutting this read short. I didn’t even comprehend what I was reading, anyway. 

knicke's review against another edition

challenging reflective medium-paced

3.5

Giddens provides a lot of really fruitful reflection, discussion, and critique on the issues facing social theory (which I would argue are all still significant, even today). Not only does he provide a sweeping scope of these issues, but he proposes solutions by way of structuration theory. The text is great, but certainly not without its flaws (both in style and argument). Though it’s broad in scope, it’s not always particularly detailed or well-organized, making the reading extra difficult (even for those with an appropriate background in the content). As well, the writing style makes reading Central Problems in Social Theory no easier. All that being said, I might argue this piece is truly necessary reading for present-day students of sociology (but must be read critically)!