In the sixth edition of Contested Knowledge social theorist Steven Seidman presents the latest topics in social theory & addresses the current shift of 'universalist theorists' to networks of clustered debates Responds to current issues debates & new social movements Reviews sociological theory from a contemporary perspective Reveals how the universal theorist & the era of rival schools has been replaced by networks of clustered debates that are relatively 'autonomous' & interdisciplinary Features updates & in-depth discussions of the newest clustered debates in social theory intimacy postcolonial nationalism & the concept of 'the other' Challenges social scientists to renew their commitment to the important moral & political role social knowledge plays in public life