Social Theory and Social History [Paperback]

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.

Acknowledgements.- 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, Mentalit? and Social Ritual: From Social History to Cultural History.- Conclusion.- Glossary.- Bibliography.- Index.

DONALD M. MACRAILD is Principal Lecturer and Head of History at Northumbria University, UK.

AVRAM TAYLOR is Lecturer in History at Northumbria University, UK.Examines the development of social history and incorporates a wide range of historical examples and theoretical approaches
Provides an uptodate survey of the literature and current debates within historiogl¢