Introduction

This textbook presents political sociology as a connective social science that studies political phenomena by creating fruitful connections with other perspectives. The relationship between politics and society is more complex than ever due to the emergence of new power structures, forms of conflict organization and management, and social practices of political participation.

Historical Phase

Several scholars describe this historical phase as the de-politicization of representative politics.

Content and Approach

The book addresses classical themes of and approaches to political sociology, but also dedicates several chapters to contemporary developments within political sociology, including, for instance, the role of the internet and bottom-up political communication in social movements.

Target Audience

In addition, the volume acts as a professional tool for those scholars and researchers that are beginning to study political processes from a sociological perspective.