Presents interviews with the world's leading social theorists on what society means. This book covers such topics as: liquid modernization and the individualization of society; the shift towards global forms of chaos and complexity; the displacement of the social into global city networks; society as a gendered idea; and more.

Product Description: Umberto Eco is arguably best known for his novel The Name of the Rose yet there is much more to him than simply being an exemplary novelist. Semiotician, literary and media critic, philosopher and historian, Umberto Eco is one of the greatest and most original thinkers working today...read more

Product Description: Roland Barthes (1915-80) was one of the leading post-structuralist authors of his day as well as making many important contributions to semiotics. These three volumes provide a complete overview of his achievement. They provide an unparalleled critical assessment of his work in semiotics, structuralism and post-structuralism...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: This book explores thematic parallels between Max Weber's theory of the rationalisation and disenchantment of the modern world, and the critiques of contemporary culture developed by Lyotard, Foucault and Baudrillard. It is suggested that these three theorists, associated with poststructuralism and postmodernism, respond to Weber's account of the rise, nature, and trajectory of modern culture by pursuing highly imaginative and coherent strategies of affirmation and re-enchantment...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)