Includes bibliographical references (p. 206-227) and index.

This text introduces the central theories and issues in current political sociology, and demonstrates that politics cannot be properly understood purely in terms of its institutions. It also enables students to learn the importance of the broader relationships between society, social structure and power. This major new textbook will equip students with a complete understanding of contemporary politics, state and society in the United Kingdom today. Key underlying themes include: - the differences between traditional and alternative `sites of power' and what we mean by `political' - the relationships between politics, society and how individuals become and remain engaged with politics - the rapid transformations in contemporary social structures and their impact on social and political life - the role of human agency and its significance to social and political action and movements - contemporary cultural and social dislocations and their impact on some of the major contested areas of political life today. Key features include: - key concepts and issues - key theorists and writers - discussion questions Comprehensive and accessible, An Introduction to Politics, State & Society is an essential text for all undergraduate students of politics, the contemporary state, power and political sociology. James W McAuley is Professor of Political Sociology and Irish Studies in the School of Human and Health Sciences at the University of Huddersfield

Also available in printed form ISBN 9780803979321

Electronic reproduction. Askews and Holts. Mode of access: World Wide Web.