This book presents reports on the uses of sociobiology and general evolutionary theory by members of diverse disciplines: psychiatry, law, management theory, anthropology, economics, primatology, history, political science, ethical philosophy, cognitive psychology, epistemology, socioecology of religion, studies of conflict, Marxist thought, aesthetics, sociology, linguistics, and psychology. The purpose of the book is threefold — to acknowledge the remarkably wide influence of a central idea; to demonstrate that the research of human sociobiology takes place in disparate fields; and to introduce the major principles of sociobiology. There are many surprises to be found in these pages, not least the psychiatrist’s new look at anxiety, the management theorist’s explanation for the success of Japanese firms, the Soviet philosopher’s report on sociobiology in the U. S. S. R., the explanation given for the keeping of harems in ancient kingdoms, and the economist’s view as to why people care if a bargain price is really a fair price — all cast in sociobiological terms.

C. Wright Mills′ classic The Sociological Imagination has inspired generations of students to study Sociology. However, the book is nearly half a century old. What would a book address, aiming to attract and inform students in the 21st century? This is the task that Steve Fuller sets himself in this major new invitation to study Sociology. The book: Critically examines the history of the social sciences to discover what the key contributions of sociology have been and how relevant they remain. Demonstrates how biological and sociological themes have been intertwined from the beginning of both disciplines, from the 19th century to the present day. Covers virtually all of sociology′s classic theorists and themes. Provides a glossary of key thinkers and concepts. This book sets the agenda for imagining sociology in the 21st century and will attract students and professionals alike.

Steve Fuller examines the history of the social sciences, covering most classic theorists and themes, to discover the key contributors to sociology and how relevant they remain today.

Provides a coherent theoretical framework for the sociological analysis of ethnicity

Re-examining C.Wright Mills’s legacy as a jumping off point, this original introduction to sociology illuminates global concepts, themes and practices that are fundamental to the discipline. It makes a case for the importance of developing a sociological imagination and provides the steps for how readers can do that. The unique text: • Offers succinct and wide-ranging coverage of many of the most important themes and concepts taught in first year sociology courses; • Has a global framework and case material which engages with decoloniality and critiques an overly white, western and developed world view of sociology; • Is woven through with contemporary examples, from social media to social inequality, big data to the self-help industry; • Rethinks and re-imagines what a critically committed, politically engaged and publicly relevant sociology should look like in the 21st century. This is a lively, engaging and accessible overview of sociology for all its students, teachers and people who want to learn more about sociology today. It is a welcome clarion call for sociology’s importance in public life.

In this book, the author attempts to reveal the heart of a Chinese intellectual. By attempting to scientifically, historically, and even practically, examine the reasons behind the present state of Chinese social, political, economical, and academic life.