Introduction to Politics, State and Society

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; and, contemporary cultural and social dislocations and their impact on some of the major contested areas of political life today.This title includes key features such as: key concepts and issues; key theorists and writers; and, 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.