The volume aims to invite a more systematic dialogue between gender studies and social theories by using selected contemporary social theories that have already been largely received in gender research as examples. Referring to common guiding categories, the contributions take into account the context of origin of the social theories discussed, as well as the relevant reception framework in terms of current diagnosis, and develop perspectives that weave gender as an inherent component into the respective theoretical framework. In doing so, the role of gender within each theory is explored, and points of reference for comparing theories and furthering the dialogue between social theories and gender studies are highlighted. The objectives are to identify gaps in social analysis regarding the complex embedding of gender relations.