This thoroughly updated edition of Critical Social Theories presents a comprehensive analysis of leading social and cultural theories today. Ben Agger covers a diverse range of perspectives, from feminism and cultural studies to postmodernism and critical theory. This new edition traces new developments in theory up to 2012. It also offers a new chapter on challenges to modernity by religious fundamentalism, right-wing politics, terrorism, the decline of civil discourse and globalisation. Particular attention is also given to the changing impact of the Internet on culture, media, politics and personal identity. Critical Social Theories assumes little prior knowledge and is written for undergraduate and graduate students in sociology and other social sciences and humanities.