This collection represents a provocative series of essays that systematically reviews or extends the role of critical social theory in fostering justice and change in several relevant, though problematic, social contexts. The articles grapple with the ongoing "double crisis" that confronts theory and practice in the construction of knowledge. Each chapter deftly exposes where and how conventional sociological and criminological thought has failed to effectively address such human social issues as homelessness, mental illness, minority rights, juvenile justice, global violence, and criminal punishment. The book provides new and much needed direction regarding theory development in the social sciences.

Inhalt
and Overview.- 1 Integrations: Social Theory, Social Change.- 1: Social (Dis)order and Social Change: Anarchic Meditations.- 2: The Geometry of Peace: Reflections on Violence and Social Change.- 2 Social Problems, Social Issues: Postmodern Applications.- 3: Mental Illness: Danger, Disorder, and The New Sciences.- 4: Housing the Homeless: The Non-Linearity of Community.- 5: Democracy, Justice, and Equality: The Economy of Gift-giving.- 3 Peaces of Justice: Restorative Applications.- 6: Victim-Offender Mediation: A Psychoanalytic Semiotic Critique.- 7: Victim Impact Statements: Vices, Values, and Justice.- References.- About the Authors.