In this book Anthony Giddens addresses a range of issues concerning current
developments in social theory, relating them to the prospects for sociology in
the closing decades of the twentieth century. Composed of closely integrated
papers, all written over the past few years, the book includes seven essays not
previously published, plus two that have not appeared in English before. In
assessing the likely future evolution of sociology in particular, and the social
sciences in general, the author both draws upon ideas established in his more
abstract theoretical writings and examines critically competing traditions of
thought. Those looking for an accessible introduction to Giddenss writings will
find in