The authors recontextualize contemporary sociological theory to argue that in recent decades sociology has been deeply permeated by a new paradigm, conflict constructionism "This book provides a clear summary of how postmodern approaches are becoming more entrenched within sociology, and it is a good textbook for teachers interested in this topic. Further, it demonstrates that if sociology is to be true to its calling, it must be able to understand the profound changes of the contemporary era, and radically transform its theoretical self-understanding if need be." -International Review of Modern Sociology "Garner, Hancock and Budrys change the game in social-theory pedagogy and research by 'discovering' a major new paradigm-conflict constructionism. This is indeed a paradigm shift as they blend traditional conflict theory with social constructionism to explain and explore all manner of phenomena, including discourse, body politics, the microlevels of everyday life, discipline and domination. It is important to understand conflict and coercion as done "to" people but also to understand that people have a hand in their own liberation. In my own teaching, I have been looking for a way to put critical theory, feminist theory and cultural studies on the same page-or in the same week!-and now I have it. Rethinking Contemporary Social Theory will instantly become part of the sociological canon." -Ben Agger, author of Critical Social Theories