A Treatise on Social Theory
A Treatise on Social Theory
£27.00
GBPIn this concluding volume of his trilogy on social theory, W. G. Runciman applies to the case of twentieth-century English society the methodology (distinguishing reportage, explanation, description, and evaluation) and theory of the preceding two volumes. Volume III shows how England's capitalist mode of production, liberal mode of persuasion, and democratic mode of coercion evolved in the aftermath of the First World War from what they had been since the 1880s, but then did not, in turn, evolve significantly following the Second World War. The explanation rests on an analysis of the selective pressures favouring some economic, ideological, and political practices over others in an increasingly complex environment, neither predictable nor controllable by policy-makers. This is supported by a graphic account of the changes themselves and how they were experienced by different segments of English society.
- Last part of aclaimed trilogy of original social theory examines the particular case of twentieth-century English society.
- Volumes I and II widely praised as 'remarkable', 'magisterial' and 'a bravura performance'
- Well known and highly respected author, Runciman known not only for social theory but also for leading the Commission on Social Justice, and chairing The Royal Commission on Criminal Justice
Reviews & endorsements
'No serious scholar of twentieth-century Britain can be without it.' The Financial Times
Product details
August 1997Paperback
9780521588010
348 pages
229 × 20 × 152 mm
0.51kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: the case of twentieth-century England
- 2. The case reported
- 3. The case explained
- 4. The case described
- 5. The case evaluated.
