Who is Gidden's and what are his key works?

Anthony Giddens was born in 1938. He is a British sociologist who is renowned for his work and theories of modern societies. Giddens work attempts to combine and apply traditional sociological theories (those of Durkheim and Weber), to the contemporary changes in society. Giddens is critical of the division of the ‘left and right’ in social analysis, therefore his analysis attempts to bridge this gap. He was a key architect to the notion of ‘the third way’ in politics, which was central to Tony Blair’s political strategy. It attempts to merge left and right traditions and find a balance between the two. This is what Giddens calls a ‘radical centre’ which he outlines the notion in: The Third Way: The Renewal of Social Democracy and The Third Way and its Critics.

Giddens holds an impressive academic career. He began predominately as a sociological theorist. Until 1997, he was professor of sociology at The University of Cambridge. He then became Director of The London School of Economics and ultimately was made a member of The House of Lords in 2004.

Since Giddens first work, ‘Capitalism and Modern Social Theory’, he has fortified a reputation through his theoretical writings and experience. Giddens work covers many different topics which offer many different perspectives and theories on social thoughts. His works include globalization, structuration theory, modernity and the notion of the third way in politics.

His prolific work has established him among the world’s most influential academics. He has written over 40 books which have been translated into many languages, to which several have become academic best sellers. His work has been recognised on a global scale by political leaders and heads of state that have consulted and sought out Giddens and his works.