The Social Science Encyclopedia, first published in 1985 to acclaim from social scientists, librarians and students, was thoroughly revised in 1996, when reviewers began to describe it as a classic. This third edition has been radically recast. Over half the entries are new or have been entirely rewritten, and most of the balance have been substantially revised.
Written by an international team of contributors, the Encyclopedia offers a global perspective on key issues within the social sciences. Some 500 entries cover a variety of enduring and newly vital areas of study and research methods. Experts review theoretical debates from neo-evolutionism and rational choice theory to poststructuralism, and address the great questions that cut across the social sciences. What is the influence of genes on behaviour? What is the nature of consciousness and cognition? What are the causes of poverty and wealth? What are the roots of conflict, wars, revolutions and genocidal violence?
This authoritative reference work is aimed at anyone with a serious interest in contemporary academic thinking about the individual in society.
Biography
Adam Kuper
Acclaim for previous editions of the Social Science Encyclopedia
'...this is an excellent and authoritative publication.' - Adrian L. James, Professor of Applied Social Sciences, University of Bradford - Social Work and Social Sciences Review: An International Journal of Applied Research
'Well written and authoritative, this is a work truly deserving of the accolade "classic".Needs to be added to all reference collections serving a clientele with social science interests as well as general collections of any size.' - Reference Reviews
'A useful addition to any social sciences research collection.' - Reference Books Bulletin
'consistently high level of scholarship......recommended for all libraries.' - Choice
'There is much to applaud in the Encyclopedia. The entries are in general well written and informative, and pitched at the right level for likely readers. Particularly good are the longer "master entries" on whole disciplines.' - Times Literary Supplement
'This collection of essays goes a long way towards supplying a reasonable single-volume reference work that covers all the main disciplines and problem areas that exist within the field of the social sciences.' - Times Education Supplement
