Books in the Key Concepts series

Michel Foucault's work on freedom, subjectivity, and power is now central to thinking across a range of disciplines, including philosophy, history, education, psychology, politics, anthropology, sociology, and criminology. This book explores his central ideas, such as disciplinary power, biopower, bodies, spirituality, and practices of the self.

Class is not only amongst the oldest and most controversial of all concepts in social science, but a topic which has fascinated, amused, incensed and galvanized the general public, too.

Care is a diverse and evolving concept. It is taken as a natural part of life yet it is shaped by philosophical, ideological, political and economic arguments concerning its definition and purpose as well as how, where and to whom it is provided and funded.

This far--reaching study gives a concise and coherent overview of the debates surrounding the analysis of social power. The concept of power is outlined, and its main dimensions are explored through consideration of various facets -- command, pressure, constraint, discipline, protest, and interpersonal power.

* An accessible introduction to a key concept in political science and related disciplines. * Global governance is a contested concept with several competing definitions; this book gives a clear overview of the relevant debates.

This new textbook invites readers to explore their own responses to debates about democracya s meaning. It provides tools for thinking actively about democracy as a practice, an ideal, and a site of contestation.

This collection, written by an international team of contributors, covers the social, political, artistic and philosophical contexts that shaped Bataille's thought. It also engages with the key themes of his work, including: art, eroticism, evil, inner experience, heterology, religion, sacrifice, and sovereignty. The final chapter addresses Bataille¿s literary writings.

Concepts have a particular importance for students of politics and international relations. Political argument often boils down to a struggle over the legitimate meaning of terms and enemies may argue, fight and even go to war, each claiming to be 'defending freedom', 'upholding democracy' or 'supporting justice'. The problem is that words such as 'freedom', 'democracy' and 'justice' have different meanings to different people, so that the concepts themselves come to seem problematic.This book provides an accessible and comprehensive guide to the major concepts encountered in political analysis. Each term is defined clearly and fully, and its significance for political argument and practice is explored. The text has been updated and expanded to take account of the increasing influence of globalization on politics and now features 70 additional concepts. Renowned for its lively, engaging style and user-friendly approach, the second edition is an invaluable companion to the study of politics and international relations.

* A concise and sophisticated introduction to the contested concept of Mental Illness . * Brings together a range of insights and interpretations from various disciplines including sociology, psychology, psychiatry and the neurosciences.

Now with a substantial new postscript on the financial crisis This book provides a basic introduction to the 'nuts and bolts' of capitalism. It starts by examining the classic accounts of capitalism found in the works of Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Joseph Schumpeter, and John Maynard Keynes.