The Five Minute Fantasies series offers arousing fiction for the discerning reader. Twenty erotic short stories by bestselling authors including Gwen Masters, Jeremy Edwards, Elizabeth Coldwell and Shanna Germain. Indulge, enjoy and come back for more with these five minutes stories that will get you out of day mode and straight into play mode! Lucy And The Way That It Is by Ralph Greco Jr Life gets interesting for Private Eye, Ben when the ex he’s never been able to forget walks into his office and offers him a case he can’t refuse. On this job the lady’s the retainer and the fees are paid in regular instalments. A Little Bit Of Luxury by Kitti Bernetti She likes things new and beautiful and the more luxurious the better. This just built, luxury, penthouse flat is the ultimate treat. The bed is pristine, with a soft fur cover that is too enticing for her to resist, it’s time to enjoy a little luxury Dancing For Women by Stephen Albrow There’s a new challenge for stripogram Lucy. She’s never danced for women before and it’s making her nervous. But when the music starts and the show begins she quickly finds that’s it’s a lot more satisfying than her normal audience. Plain Jane by J. Carron A pill that makes you irresistible to men? Could it possibly be real? When you’re a Plain Jane who’s been missing out on all the male attention it’s got to be worth a try. Armed with a pack of the little blue pills and a bit of hope our Plain Jane is hoping to changing her life. Half Measures by Jeremy Edwards Stewart’s Saturday night at home takes a pleasant, but unexpected turn when Millicent turns up at his door with no pants on. In The Liquor Store by Gwen Masters A fabulous old liquor store with a wine cellar and tall wooden shelves stocked with all manner of drinks. But it’s the company of Daniel that’s really intoxicating, not the alcohol on sale. Call Girl by Landon Dixon Welcome to the high pressure world of the call centre. Little cubicles full of stress and way too much work for way too little pay. Of course there are some perks to the job, and when sexy young Vicky starts on the night shift it’s soon more than just the customers who are getting excellent hands-on service. A Rank Outsider by Phoebe Grafton Janet is used to being the pretty one and getting all the male attention. All that‘s about to change when a holiday cruise to the Aegean turns out to be a life changing experience for her not so attractive best friend A Sculptor’s Touch by Roger Frank Selby Nude modelling wasn’t new to Angela, but a blind artist was. She was nervous, but his sculptures really were wonderful and he promised her that in his hands she would be the most beautiful woman on the planet. Birthday Treat by Alex de Kok One of the perks of Harry’s gardening job is getting to spend time with Janet, the gorgeous older woman who owns the house. He realises just how lucky he is when she invites him to celebrate his 19th birthday with dinner and a swim in her private pool. Backstory by Frances Jones Two reporters find that jousting for the best story is a real passion. The endless city hall meetings are always good for a hot lead, and things are even hotter behind closed doors where their passion makes the words come alive Brown Nosing by Richard Terry When the new boss invites you to dance at the office Christmas party, you’d be a fool to say no. Especially since she’s hot, powerful and downright scary. Has she noticed the way you’ve been watching her? Perhaps tonight everything you’ve dreamed could come true, the only way to find out is to follow your nose and see where it takes you. Farmer’s Daughter by Landon Dixon Its a hot and steamy summer when Allen is sent to the farm for a long day of sorting out the accounts. The job is made far more interesting by the farmers daughter who turns out to be hotter than the summer. First Time For Everything by Mary Borsellino They say that you always remember your first kiss, your first love and your first time. When they all coincide on the eve of a new millenium and with the boy you’ve been wanting for years that‘s definitely the case. High Heels And Monster Bikes by Kitti Bernetti We all have things that push our buttons, things that turn us on even when we’re supposed to be working. For Matt it’s shoes. He’s been enjoying daydreaming his life away to the clicketty clack of high heels. When fate walks up to him wearing killer heel the only thing he can do is to put the dreams on the pillion and ride in to the sunset. Neighbourhood Watch by Stephen Albrow What was going on in that house across the street? Rachel had been watching the endless stream of men coming and going for days. Now it was time to find out what lay behind the closed door. Cherry Bottom by Shanna Germain Some lessons are best left to the experts to teach. Cate and Andrew definitely think so. Miss Suzanne’s anal sex class soon helps them gain the confidence they were looking for. Afterdeath by Susan Placido They say that true love never dies, and they’re right. Love didn’t die, but Mike did. And yet, death is just a door way, and sometimes you can open that door and bring those you love back to you, even if its only for a moment that feels like forever. Titus Loves Flowers by Jim Baker Letting the family take turns in deciding where you go on holiday can land you in some interesting places, like behind a horses butt in a cramped caravan. It’s at times like these that you need a sense of humour and to remind yourself just why you got together in the first place. Working Conditions by Elizabeth Coldwell Some law firms can be a law unto themselves as Alison Mills is about to find out. Wallace and Barker is one of the old school firms, where the men are used to doing whatever they want. They don’t hire many woman and if the rumours are true it’s because of the harsh rules. It’s an incredible opportunity though, and Miss Mills will do anything to be a part of that world.
An exciting collection of twenty erotic short stories from Xcite Books, winners of ETO's Best Erotic Book Brand and Jade's Best Erotic Fiction Publisher 2010, 2011 and 2012. What could be more satisfying than submitting to delicious ecstasy? How about being the one in control? Read on for a selection of sexy schoolgirl roleplaying, passionate threesomes with ropes and handcuffs, eager toyboys, and mischievous lesbians with a penchant for teasing. Whether you like your domination light and playful or rough and ready this book can not fail to please. Skin Deep by Cathryn Cooper Carew is strictly a ladies’ man, so why does he feel the need to spend so much time in the company of pretty boy Francis? He aims to show the boy the delights of sex with a woman and reinforce his own heterosexual credentials. When Francis doesn’t respond to his erotic display, Carew determines to thrash some sense into him, only for events to take a startling turn. Jane’s Bonds by Shanna Germain Jane has always wanted to experiment with sex toys, but her husband’s tastes are strictly vanilla. When she sees the purple fur-lined wrist cuffs in a mail order catalogue, she imagines how it would feel to be bound and blindfolded, waiting for Derek to do whatever he wants to her. How can she get him to make her fantasy an erotic reality? Tiger, Tiger by Paige Roberts David is searching for the Indian tiger goddess, but to find her he must spend a night tied to the stone table in the jungle clearing – an ordeal he may not survive. As the noise of a tiger’s roar comes closer, he struggles against his bonds. But when the animal’s form appears to change into that of a stunning, naked woman, David realises the goddess’ caress is to be welcomed, not feared, even if it costs him his life... Black And White Photos by Sommer Marsden She’s finding it hard to take the art exhibition seriously, until she comes to the black and white photos. The erotic images reveal to her the true beauty and excitement of BDSM games, and suddenly she wants to try them for herself. Back at home, she lets Charles, her husband, take charge, blindfolding and binding her for an experience she will never forget. My First Time by Eva Hore Rita’s not supposed to enter the room with the black-painted door when her boyfriend’s not around, but she can’t resist showing Doris what’s inside. Doris can’t understand why anyone would want racks and ropes in their home, until Rita persuades her to try them out. Just as she’s getting in the swing of things, Rita’s boyfriend comes home. Together, they will show Doris exactly what it means to be tied and teased. Party Games by Jim Baker Though Judy and Katie may differ in their taste in music, the one thing they can agree on is their party is going to be memorable. Judy’s beginning to think she’ll end the evening alone, then Katie invites her to take part in a threesome. It’s the start of a wild adventure that quickly sees Katie tied to the bed, learning why Ravel’s Bolero is the perfect accompaniment to a bout of erotic tickling Dangerous Games by Eva Hore Her boyfriend has promised her a night she’ll never forget, and it begins when she follows his instructions to put on lingerie, blindfold herself and wait for his return. When David joins her, his unfamiliar aftershave lets her know he’s playing some kind of game, but as she succumbs to his deliciously rough play, she has no way of knowing the truth of the situation. Fantasy by DMW Carol She loves roleplaying for him, and she knows exactly how their next session will go. She wants to play the part of an innocent, virginal schoolgirl, ripe and ready to learn about sex, and as her imagination runs wild, she lets her lover initiate her into the thrill of bondage, too... Picket Fence by Sommer Marsden De-cluttering the attic, Nick finds a Polaroid camera he can’t bear to throw away. Noel can’t fathom his fascination with the thing, until the night he uses it to take some very raunchy photos of her, naked and bound. Photos that have a very powerful aphrodisiac effect on anyone who sees them. Change Of Life by Cathryn Cooper Men have treated Mariana so badly she now only uses them for her own ends, finding real pleasure with her friend and lover, Sharaz. While she’s sharing a sensuous sauna with Sharaz, discovering all the things two women can do to each other, her husband is restrained at home, patiently waiting for her return... La Cage Aux Folles by Kaycie Wolfe Sex therapist Merril helps other people mend their lives, but her own needs more than a little work. Escaping from the cage of her failing marriage seems like the ideal solution to all her problems, but not before she’s dealt with her self-absorbed, cheating husband in a highly appropriate fashion. Travel Broadens The Mind by Kirsten Schubinski The bus journey took her through rebel country, where kidnappings are rife. She never believed it could happen to her; now here she is, chained in a cell and being looked after by a jailer she has never seen. How will she react when he starts to treat her as a lover, rather than a captive After Hours by Kristina Wright Natalie’s had a rough week at work, and Ryan is sure the way to relieve her stress is with sex on his office desk. Initially afraid they’ll get caught in the act, Natalie soon relaxes into the moment – then Ryan produces a length of rope so he can tie her in place... In The Saddle by Primula Bond Invited to spend a weekend in the country by a man she barely knows, inveterate townie Angela knows it’s going to be a complete disaster, until she finds the estate’s tack room. Aroused by the scent of leather, she can’t resist lewdly riding a saddle like it’s a bucking bronco – only to be caught trespassing by a stable hand intent on punishing her for her naughty behaviour. Under The Oak by Penelope Friday Head girl Ella meets her horny, self-assured classmate Jamie under the oak tree. It’s not long before she discovers he knows exactly how to knot a school tie, leaving her fastened to the tree with her bottom bared for a spanking, in an erotic game that twists and turns to a deliciously unexpected conclusion. Festival by Cyanne She’s looking forward to engineering the sound at the music festival; even more so when she learns she’ll be working alongside Irish hunk Sean. He’s enigmatic, totally in control and maybe just a little bit dangerous. And his way with cable ties and gaffer tape leads her into a sexual encounter like none she’s ever had. Mistress Of All She Surveys by Carmel Lockyer Valerie considers herself an expert in all things BDSM and the queen of mind games. She’s served her apprenticeship in fetish clubs and dungeons, learning how how to give submissives exactly what they need. When her latest client brings her an expensive statue as a tribute, she vows to earn it in a way he will find exquisitely painful Teaching Derek by Primula Bond Jane and Sally are enduring a rainy week in Devon when the team from a TV makeover show arrives and interrupts their latest sex game. With the glamorous female interviewer out of the way, they can get down to tying up cute young cameraman Derek and showing him just how much fun he can have with two horny, experienced women. Political Prey by Jim Baker When David knocks on her door and canvasses Susie for her vote, she soon realises he’s her ideal man – a young virgin who’s willing to be tutored in how to give a woman pleasure. But Susie’s methods of domination go way beyond the norm, and as far as she’s concerned, his most important asset is that he’s unlikely to be missed... Maid To Misbehave by Stephen Albrow Madeleine doesn’t normally visit sex shops, but she can’t resist the French maid’s outfit she sees in the window. The shop’s dominant, rubber-clad salesgirl is only too happy to help Madeleine try it on, and to give her the punishment she deserves for selecting such a slutty costume.
Sex and Satisfaction is a collection of twenty erotic short stories that include fabulous fantasies and wicked sex that are guaranteed to set your pulse racing. The stories are brought to you by bestselling authors including Kitti Bernetti, Jeremy Edwards, Gwen Masters, Kristina Wright and Cathryn Cooper.
The revival of historical sociology in recent decades has largely neglected the contributions of Max Weber. Yet Weber's writings offer a fundamental resource for analyzing problems of comparative historical development. Stephen Kalberg rejects the view that Weber's historical writings consist of an ambiguous mixture of fragmented ideal types on the one hand and the charting of vast processes of rationalization and bureaucracy on the other. On the contrary, Weber's substantive work offers a coherent and distinctive model for comparative analysis. A reconstruction of Weber's comparative historical method, Kalberg argues, uncovers a sophisticated outlook that addresses problems of agency and structure, multiple causation, and institutional interpretation. Kalberg shows how such a representation of Weber's work casts a direct light upon issues of pressing importance in comparative historical studies today. Weber addresses in a forceful way the whole range of issues confronted by the comparative historical enterprise. Once the full analytical and empirical power of Weber's historical writings becomes clear, Weber's work can be seen to generate procedures and strategies appropriate to the study of present day as well as past social processes. Written in an accessible and engaging fashion, this book will appeal to students and professionals in the areas of sociology, anthropology, and comparative history.
Class Strategies and the Education Market examines the ways in which the middle classes maintain and improve their social advantages in and through education. Drawing on an extensive series of interviews with parents and children, this book identifies key moments of decision making in the construction of the educational trajectories of middle class children. Stephen J. Ball organises his analysis around the key concepts of social closure, social capital, values and principles and risk, while bringing a broad range of up-to-date sociological theory to bear upon his subject. From this thorough analysis, valuable and thought-provoking insights emerge into the assiduous care and considerable effort and expenditure which goes into ensuring the educational success of the middle class child The middle classes are a sociological enigma, presenting the social researcher with considerable analytic and theoretical difficulties. Class Strategies and the Education Market provides a set of working tools for class analysis and the examination of class practices. Above all, it offers new ways of thinking about class theory and the relationships between classes in late modern society.
Stephen Ball’s micro-political theory of school organization is a radical departure from traditional theories. He rejects a prescriptive ‘top down’ approach and directly addresses the interest and concerns of teachers and current problems facing schools. In doing so he raises question about the adequacy and appropriateness of the existing forms of organizational control in schools. Through case studies and interviews with teachers, the book captures the flavour of real conflicts in schools – particularly in times of falling rolls, change of leadership or amalgamations – when teachers’ autonomy seems to be at stake.
Stephen Kalberg's The Social Thought of Max Weber, the newest volume of the SAGE Social Thinkers series, provides a concise introduction to the work, life, and influence of Max Weber, considered to be one of three most important founders (along with Marx and Durkheim) of sociology. The book serves as an excellent introduction to the full range of Weber’s major themes, and explores in detail the extent to which they are relevant today. It is ideal for use as a self-contained volume or in conjunction with other sociological theory textbooks.
This text explores four major features of human society in their ecological and historical context: the origins of priests and organised religion; the rise of military men in an agrarian society; economic expansion and growth; and civilising and decivilising trends over time.
Modernist Radicalism and its Aftermath investigates the ways in which Marx, Durkheim, Althusser and Habermas are all drawn towards foundationalism, and offers a framework for the analysis of foundationalism in social theory.
This unique study into the roots of Max Weber's Political Economy, is an intriguing read and a valuable contribution to the Weberian literature. Parsons argues that Weber's analysis is highly influenced by the Austrian School of Economics and the relationship between his critique of centrally planned economies and that of Mises.
This book brings together in one place Stephen Ball's key writings. Drawing on over 20 years' work, Professor Ball has selected his most seminal work - from education policy and sociology to his work on education and social class.
This book is the first major sociological analysis of the characteristics and interrelationships of ethnicity, religion, and socio-economic class in Israeli society. Although much has been written about the various distinctions between Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews, this volume argues for a more sophisticated approach than the rather crude divisions that have formed the basis of most works on the subject. The authors include categories largely overlooked in sociological studies on Israel such as middle class Israelis from Asia and Africa, and working-class Israelis from Europe. The data acquired from this rich ethnic mix leads to the analysis of a wide range of theoretical issues that casts fresh light on social cleavages within Israel in particular and society in general.
Holistic Health and Biomedical Medicine outlines a new framework for social science research. Illustrated in an analysis of the American health care system, Lyng presents an empirical study of the relationship between medical knowledge and the social structure of medical practice in America. Through a synthesis of ideas from such diverse perspectives as classical Marxian theory and the medical model embraced by the holistic health movement, Lyng articulates a "medical countersystem" that is contrasted against the traditional biomedical model of medical practice. What results is an entirely unique Marxian analysis of the U.S. health care system, one that examines how the system evolved historically as well as describes several possibilities for the future of medicine in America.
This internationally appealing book is based on a two-year case study of a group of young people as they move through their final year of mandatory schooling and into their first year of post-16 experience. It looks at their choices, the market behaviour of local education and training providers and those who help and advise these choices. The authors show that recent and current political policies for post-16 education disadvantage, marginalise and exclude young people rather than improve their life chances. The book draws together the major issues and attempts to suggest alternative ways forward for a more inclusive post-16 education and training system.
This book is the first account of the way in which Weber appropriated and modified sources in the legal tradition, in which he was trained, to construct his sociology. It leads directly to a new understanding of Weber's intent and his relations to the tradition of social and political theory. the book takes the reader into the heart of Weber's conceptualizations of action and social science, without ever giving the impression that these are rarefied and marginal issues. This is an important book for understanding the significance of one of the key sociologist's of the twentieth century.
Bringing together the author's major scholarly work on Weber over the last thirty years, Max Weber's Comparative-Historical Sociology Today addresses major themes in Weber's thought, whilst also examining the mode of analysis practised in his comparative-historical writings. By exploring Weber's concepts and procedures, the individual chapters seek to convey the rigor of his research strategies, demonstrating their uniqueness. In this light, this study proceeds to identify as incomplete and then reconstruct the analyses undertaken by Weber of the rise of Confucianism in China, the caste system in India, and monotheism in ancient Israel. The analysis then advances to the modern era, utilising Weber's research procedures to explain the origins of four independent phenomena: the singularity of the American political culture, the cultural foundations of modern citizenship, cultural pessimism (Kulturpessimismus) in nineteenth century Germany, and the 'location' of work in contemporary German society. A dialogue with a variety of recent major schools is pursued throughout this volume. Offering a rich examination of the major themes in Weber's sociology, alongside a reconstruction of his mode of analysis and application of his approach, this book will appeal to scholars around the world with interests in social theory, German and American societies, cultural sociology, political sociology, the sociology of knowledge, comparative-historical sociology, and the sociology of civilizations.
* What impact has social change had upon young people? * To what extent do consumer lifestyles play a key role in structuring identities? * How successful has sociology been in dealing with the nature of young people's lives? Youth Lifestyles in a Changing World is an accessible examination of the changing nature of young people's lives at the start of a new century. Arguing that the 'sociology of youth' has struggled to bridge the gap between 'structural' and 'cultural' conceptions of youth, this book emphasizes the notion of lifestyle as an enlightening means of addressing young people's relationship with social change. Against a social and cultural backdrop characterized by postmodern fragmentation, risk and globalization, young people are apparently finding individualized 'transitions' into adulthood increasingly difficult, and this book shows how lifestyles play an important role. It considers key aspects of young people's lifestyles such as their relationship to rave, the media, and consumption in general, as a means of constructing identities. In this clear introduction to a complex field, Miles outlines the dilemmas faced by sociology, and examines the role played by consumer lifestyles in constructing who and what young people are in a rapidly changing world.
Stephen Edgell is to be commended for his ability to provide an overview of how work has been influenced by social structures over time. This book is divided into 10 chapters which cover the complexity of how ′work′ in its many forms has been studied and explored, primarily in European and North American contexts. As a survey text of occupations related to work, this is a good starting point for readers interested in obtaining a broad grounding in understanding theoretical perspectives and their application." - Lynn Cockburn, Journal of Occupational Science Steve Edgell has written an up-to-date, comprehensive guide to the sociology of every type of work: paid and unpaid, standard and non-standard, under- and unemployment. Sweeping in its historical reach and rigorous in its analysis of key issues of work, this book charts the rise of `work′ from the first human societies and provides nuanced understanding of the issues at stake in standard, non-standard, unpaid and voluntary work. Drawing on classic and contemporary theorists, the author: - covers key issues regarding paid work: alienation, post-industrial society, network enterprises in the informational society, flexibility, Fordism, McDonaldization, the destandardization of work and the social impact of unemployment and underemployment; - discusses key issues regarding non-paid work: domestic work as `work′, the impact of technology, the impact of feminism, feminization and globalization; - offers a historical perspective of work and gender. ′The overall sweep of the book – from pre-capitalist/industrial to post-globalism is attractive and challenging. The extension of the study of work beyond paid office/factory work is to be welcomed. In short this book will make a wise and welcomed addition to the existing range of sociological texts.′ - Professor Huw Beynon, Director School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University ′Stephen Edgell′s Sociology of Work is a reliable, comprehensive and accessible text. He has taken a number of central themes in this field and engaged with the relevant literature and debates in a thoughtful and authoritative way. The comparative and historical treatment of the topics offers an illuminating perspective on the contemporary world of work. Students will find this book to be an invaluable resource. I predict that their copies will become much thumbed and annotated!′ - John Eldridge, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Glasgow.
This volume examines civilizations through the broad lens articulated by the works of Max Weber. In focusing upon his comparative-historical mode of analysis and his causal explanations for the sources, contours, and trajectories of civilizations, this study reconstructs Weber’s sociology in a manner that provides clear guidelines to researchers seeking to investigate civilizations systematically. Through detailed interpretations of the West’s unique development from Antiquity to the Modern era, precise comparisons to the long-range and singular pathways taken by China and India, and careful demarcations of the "particular rationalisms" of several civilizations, the author addresses Weber’s powerful model-building on the one hand and his opposition to organic holism and structural presuppositions on the other hand. Both a broad-ranging conceptual framework and case-based empirical investigations are pivotal to Weber. His research strategy emphasizes further the "subjective meanings" of actors East and West and the deep cultural origins of groups. Finally, this volume masterfully conveys Weber’s contextual and multi-causal methodology rooted in a tight interweaving of the present with the past. Max Weber’s Sociology of Civilizations: A Reconstruction will appeal to comparative sociologists and historians, as well as to theorists of all persuasions. The social scientist pursuing a cross-civilizational agenda will here discover the distinct contribution of Weber’s "interpretive understanding" procedures to the now-essential field of civilizational analysis.
Written by experienced academics used to teaching the subject this book will help students and researchers find their way within the diverse field of sport studies. Clear, well researched entries explain the key concepts in the debates surrounding the social significance and social dynamics of sport. Each entry provides: • Clear Definitions • Relevant Examples • Up-to-date Suggestions for Further Reading • Informative Cross-Referencing Valuable in its parts and indispensable as a whole this book will provide a stimulating, practical guide to the relationship between sport and society. Stephen Wagg is Professor of Sport and Society at Leeds Metropolitan University. Carlton Brick lectures in the School of Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland in Paisley. Belinda Wheaton is a Senior Research Fellow in the Chelsea School, University of Brighton. Jayne Caudwell is a Senior Lecturer in the Chelsea School, University of Brighton.
In Honey Bees: Letters From the Hive, bee expert Stephen Buchmann takes readers on an incredible tour. Enter a beehive--one part nursery, one part honey factory, one part queen bee sanctum--then fly through backyard gardens, open fields, and deserts where wildflowers bloom. It's fascinating--and delicious! Hailed for their hard work and harmonious society, bees make possible life on earth as we know it. This fundamental link between bees and humans reaches beyond biology to our environment and our culture: bees have long played important roles in art, religion, literature, and medicine--and, of course, in the kitchen. For honey fanatics and all who have a sweet tooth, this book not only entertains and enlightens but also reminds us of the fragility of humanity's relationship with nature. Includes illustrations and photographs throughout.
Misbehaviour at work has traditionally focused on work limitation, pilferage, absenteeism and sabotage. These remain important, but the organisational landscape is changing. From new forms of satirical humour and use of social media, workplace bullying and sexual misconduct, to managerial misbehaviour and its consequences, the second edition of Organisational Misbehaviour explores the latest forms of organisational subversion and offers fresh insights into the underlying dynamics of management and organisational processes. Drawing from contemporary research, this authoritative text is suitable for anyone interested in the study of management, work and organisations. Stephen Ackroyd is Emeritus Professor at the Management School of Lancaster University, UK. Paul Thompson is Emeritus Professor of Employment Studies at the University of Stirling, UK.
This is an introduction to politics for those who wish to know what it's all about and why they should study it. It is designed to trigger the imagination of readers and encourage them to look for politics beyond the usual narrow definition
This volume outlines Max Weber’s comparative-historical sociology of "interpretive understanding" (verstehen) in a manner that clarifies his complex mode of analysis and multi-causal focus. Presenting the central features of his methodology, it demonstrates the strengths of his research strategies through discussions of his major works and overarching concerns. Among other themes, this study addresses the origins of the American political culture, the longevity of its civic sphere, and the multiple causes behind the unique historical pathways followed by several civilizations. Indeed, through summaries of Weber’s procedures and their application in his own empirical studies, Max Weber’s Sociology sustains a simultaneous orientation to his "big picture" themes and his rigorous manner of analysis. It demonstrates in so doing the capacity of Weber’s sociology to ground firmly both “ideal-type” theorizing and empirically oriented investigations. This volume will appeal to scholars throughout the social sciences with interests in the American civic sphere, the West’s uniqueness, ”the Protestant ethic thesis,” the multiple ways that civilizations develop, and the diverse twists and turns of Weber’s comparative-historical sociology.
Between them, Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien radically altered the structure and functions of the federal government, first by signing and implementing major trade liberalization projects, and then by cutting back the size of their governments' budgets and the scope of their policies. Uncle Sam and Us analyzes the Mulroney-Chrétien era's impact on Canadian governance through two related factors, globalization from without and neoconservatism from within. Stephen Clarkson begins his study by conceptualizing the present Canadian state as a five-tiered, nested system stretching from the municipal and provincial levels, through the federal government, and on to the new continental and global spheres of governance: in effect, he argues, the North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization have added a 'supraconstitution' to Canada's existing institutions. His analysis concerns the changes that have occurred not just in the federal government, but in provincial and municipal governance as well. The impact of globalization and neoconservatism is examined extensively in the second part of Clarkson's study, which examines how the functions of the Canadian state have altered. Clarkson addresses the changes in a number of policy areas such as macro and monetary policy, regulatory, industrial, and trade policy, as well as social, labour, environmental, cultural, and foreign policy. In linking external forces and internal factors in his analysis, Clarkson brings together separate aspects of the Canadian state into a comprehensive understanding of the current Canadian political climate. He combines a global knowledge of the international political economy with a micro concern for detailed analyses of policy issues, and concludes that the responsibility for Canada's predicament lies less with external forces, than with Canadians and the governments they elected. He ends with a hopeful look into the future, pointing towards a realization of the shortcomings of neoconservative globalization, and the expectation of a new governing paradigm. Co-published with Woodrow Wilson Center Press
Dramatic social transformation in Western society over recent decades has had a profound impact on the way the life course is studied. While people continue to experience the implications of class, gender, ethnicity and, of course, age, they are more than ever able to take personal control of their own lives. The Life Course considers how, in a diverse and uncertain world, the previously predictable stages of life are no longer fixed but increasingly open to change. Focusing on continuities and change, this book looks not only at the different 'phases of life', but also at the transformation of a number of closely related social institutions such as the family, education and the workplace. Recognising that the established cradle-to-grave view is now outdated, the trajectory from infancy and youth to later and end-of-life is followed not as a stable object of study, but as a starting point for critical analysis. This second edition offers an essential overview of the sociology of the life course, incorporating both contemporary and conventional perspectives. It calls upon current theorising around the life course as well as on up-to-date empirical research data. This thought-provoking text is relevant to researchers and students of life course studies and sociology, as well as to those in nursing, social work and related caring professions.
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