"Sociological Theory gives readers a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought, from sociology's 19th century origins through the early 21st century. Written by an author team that includes one of the leading contemporary thinkers, the text integrates key theories with with biographical sketches of theorists, placing them in historical and intellectual context"--
This concise text, covers both classical and contemporary social thought. It traces the major schools of thought over the past 150 years as they appear and reappear in different chapters and looks at important new voices in social theory. The treatment of individual theories and theorists is balanced with the development of key themes and ideas about social life
An outline for a sociological theory of postmodernity is presented that considers it as the fully developed form of modernity, not just an aberrant variant, but a viable, pragmatically, & logically self-contained social condition defined by distinctive features of it own (ie, institutionalized pluralism, variety, ambivalence, & contingency). It is argued that a sociological theory of postmodernity must: refuse the temptation to erect totalizing systems of thought; focus on the habitat in which agency operates; recognize that agents are only partly, if at all, constrained in their pursuit of interests; & show concern for the way that actors self-constitute themselves in the absence of coercive structures & absolute truths. Postmodern ethics & politics are also discussed. It is concluded that to effectively capture the essence of postmodernity, sociology must conceive itself as social & cultural interpreter, rather than social legislator or engineer, which will require a high degree of reflexivity. W. Howard
The prevalent expectations that the theoretical accomplishments of sociology may some day come to equal those of the physical sciences are illusory. In view of the special nature of its subject matter, the realistic objectives of sociology are different from those of the physical sciences. Sociocultural reality is a man-made order; there is, therefore, no reason to expect that underlying this order there are invariant & universal social laws to be discovered by sociologists. Their chief theoretical goal can only be the systematic interpretation of sociocultural phenomena to provide orientation, understanding, valuations, & guidance in fateful areas of human living. Furthermore, in line with the vision of its founders, sociology has the practical goal of promoting social progress & discovering relational arrangements to facilitate the release & prevention of social tensions. Future advances in sociological theory will be spearheaded by a holistic approach to the analysis of the nature of sociality & the operation of sociological factors in influencing human conduct. AA.
1. Introduction : the history of sociological theory -- 2. Functionalism -- 3. Conflict theory -- 4. Marxism -- 5. Feminism -- 6. Exchange theory -- 7. Interactionism -- 8. Ethnomethodology -- 9. Structuralism -- 10. Conclusion : the present and future of sociological theory.
This book is not an encyclopaedic survey of the most influential or important sociological theories of the 20th century; nor is it an institutional history of sociological theory; it is not a textbook, a distillation of the accumulated knowledge of a particular discipline; nor is it a crib, a set of ready-made and easily-remembered answers to imagined examination questions. It is more of a reader's guide, a series of hints and suggestions for those who, whether students or teachers, believe that sociology is a profession and a discipline but also something more..' - Charles Turner in the intro
Introducing readers to the most important thinkers and schools of thought in contemporary sociological theory - from Parsons and Merton to the Frankfurt School to Foucault, Bourdieu, Giddens and Hochschild - this accessible textbook firmly locates key ideas in social, political and historical context. By doing so, it helps students understand the development of central sociological concepts and how they can help us understand the contemporary world. The book includes: Lively biographical sections to help readers get to know each thinker Clear and easy-to-understand accounts of each theorist's arguments - and the most common criticismsKey concept boxes highlighting the most influential ideas This comprehensive textbook brings the diverse field of contemporary sociological theory to life. Essential reading for all students in Sociology and Sociological Theory.
"Classical Sociological Theory, Eighth Edition, provides a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought from the Enlightenment roots of theory through the early 20th century. The integration of key theories with biographical sketches of theorists and the requisite historical and intellectual context helps students to better understand the original works of classical authors as well as to compare and contrast classical theories"--