Contested Knowledge is a well-established text offering up-to-date perspectives on social theory by one of the most important thinkers of our time. This fourth edition includes an exploration of globalization and a new section on the theories of global and world order. It provides a thoughtful and rigorous, yet highly accessible and reader-friendly account of social theory.

* Responds to current issues, debates, and new social movements

* Reviews sociological theory from a truly contemporary perspective

* Examines both classical and contemporary theories

* Combines social analysis and moral advocacy to demonstrate how social theory contributes to the making of a better world

* Challenges social scientists to renew their commitment to the important moral and political role social knowledge plays in public life

* A thoughtful and rigorous, yet highly accessible and reader-friendly account of social theory

* An accompanying website containing additional support for lecturers and students is available at www.blackwellpublishing.com/seidman