This textbook introduction to Social Theory is unique in addressing key issues in sociological, political and cultural analysis through an examination of modern theories of social conflict, cohesion and consent. Chapters are structured to cover the major thinkers - Marx and Engels, Gramsci, Durkheim, Parsons, Weber, the Frankfurt School (Adorno, Horkheimer, Marcuse and Habermas) and Foucault - and offer a useful and accessible introduction to the main ideas of these important and widely studied theorists. Through the unifying theme of conflict, cohesion and consent the reader is introduced to core social concepts such as structure and agency, ideology, discourse and legitimation, and to key features of modern society such as the state, economy and civil society. Dealing with both contemporary social debates and established theoretical approaches, this book is ideal for both Politics and Sociology students. Key Features: * Author writes with great clarity, making the text accessible to undergraduates * Unique in addressing key issues in sociology, politics and cultural studies through examination of modern social theories of conflict, cohesion and consent * Chapters organised around the core thinkers: Marx, Engels, Gramsci, Durkheim, Weber, the Frankfurt School, and Foucault * Introduces students to key social concepts of structure, agency, discourse, legitimation, power, communication, functionalism and hegemony