This meticulous collection of contemporary sociological theory is the definitive guide to current perspectives and approaches in the field. Organized thematically, this volume includes the most representative material available on topics such as symbolic interactionism, phenomenology, structuralism, network theory, critical theory, feminist theory, and the debates over modernity and postmodernity. The theories of Foucault, Giddens, and Bourdieu are thoroughly represented in order to enable the reader to examine their work in depth. For this second edition, selected readings bring the book up to date and enhance the richness of the text by way of examples, accessibility, and connections to today's theoretical discussions. Editorial introductions put these readings into theoretical perspective, making this an authoritative and compact survey of contemporary sociological theory, and an essential text for undergraduate courses. Contemporary Sociological Theory, in conjunction with its complement, Classical Sociological Theory, offers readers a complete overview of sociological theory.