Synopses & Reviews
This book examines the rapid development of social history over the past 100 years, exploring the links between historical method, social theory and the changing nature of what interests us about the past. Providing a route map for general readers and students alike, the book charts diverse territories, from the rise of social history from poor relation to economic history and the emergence of
Annales and Marxist perspectives to the recent challenges presented by post-structuralism and cultural history.
Synopsis
The expansion of social history that took place in the twentieth century has produced some of the most exciting works in the field of historical studies. As the range of the social historian's concerns has grown, so has the range of methodologies and theoretical approaches they employ. Historians have made greater use of the theoretical insights of social scientists, and boundaries between the disciplines have become blurred as a consequence.
Social Theory and Social History
- covers the major developments within social history
- offers an introduction to the most important social theorists
- discusses the relationship between history and the social sciences
- considers the use of theory in the writing of history
- examines current debates within historiography
In this concise introductory guide, Donald M. MacRaild and Avram Taylor explore the complex relationship between social theory and social history, arguing that an awareness of the relation between the two is the key to a deeper understanding of the process of historical change.
Synopsis
This book examines the rapid development of social history over the past 100 years, exploring the links between historical method, social theory and the changing nature of what interests us about the past. Providing a route map for general readers and students alike, the book charts diverse territories, from the rise of social history from poor relation to economic history and the emergence of
Annales and Marxist perspectives to the recent challenges presented by post-structuralism and cultural history.
About the Author
Donald M. MacRaild is the author of several titles in social history.
Table of Contents
Introduction * 'Cinderella' gets her prince? * The Development of Social History * Fruit of a 'special relationship'? * Historical Sociology * 'A Mass of Factors and Influences'? * Systemic, 'Total' and 'Comparative' Histories * Social Structure and Human Agency in Historical Explanation * Ideology,
Mentalitbliog‚ and Social Ritual: From Social History to Cultural History * Conclusion * Glossary * Bibliography * Index