How We Use Social Theory: Common Threads and Concluding Thoughts

In this concluding chapter, I draw together the central themes and ideas to emerge in how each contributor has put social theory to work to make sense of aspects of our endeavours in higher education. I noticed four common threads: (1) Theory is personal and contextual; (2) What theory does; (3) Grappling; and (4) The collective individual. These are expanded on in this chapter, followed by a brief discussion of topics you may wish to explore beyond the book and some final reflections.