For decades and centuries, social theorists have compared communities differently to living beings and living systems, to machines, battlefields, legal systems, markets, games, plays, and speeches. More interesting, however, is that Regen cleverly shows how almost all Western social theories fit into one or more metaphors.

Emphasizes the human understanding of society with a focus on creative agency for players and social communities. The book offers students a rich understanding of social theory, but at the same time concise and extensive, allowing teachers to continue their detailed search for any views they choose..