"This is a robust text - challenging and provocative and one which students will benefit from reading. Layder guides the reader through a large body of relevant literature. He draws attention to the strengths and weaknesses of particular approaches as he sees them and he is not afraid to offer his own judgements on the issues and problems he addresses." - Professor John Eldridge, University of Glasgow "One of the most comprehensive, incisive and readable treatments of the macro-micro problem now available." - Professor Paul Colomy, University of Denver This is a revised, updated and enlarged version of the accessible, authoritative first edition - a jargon-free textbook that provides an introduction to the core issues in social theory. It includes: Chapter previews, summaries and a glossary of key terms. A 'problem focus' that encourages students to acquire skills of argument and discussion. A concluding chapter relating theory to social domains. Relevant examples from everyday life to illustrate key theoretical issues. It is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of social and sociological theory.