Synopsis
This comprehensive collection of classical sociological theory is a definitive guide to the roots of sociology. The volume explores the pioneering minds of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber, who developed our modern idea of society; and looks at the powerful influence of the works of early sociologists Mead, Simmel, Freud, and Du Bois. It concludes with the major works and theoretical perspectives of the mid-twentieth century, including those of Adorno, Marcuse, Parsons, and Merton. As a whole, the reader traces the evolution of social science from its undisciplined beginnings to its current guideposts and reference points in contemporary sociological debate.
Updated throughout, this second edition includes selected readings which provide clearer introductions to classical theory, providing examples and showing connections to current sociology. This title’s approach of giving substantial primary source texts rather than merely “snippets,” and backing these up with generous introductions, is maintained in this new edition. There is an entirely new section with new readings on the immediate “pre-history” of sociological theory, including the Enlightenment and de Tocqueville. Editorial introductions lend historical and intellectual perspective to the readings, making this an authoritative and compact survey of the most representative works of classical social theory, and an essential text for undergraduate courses.
Classical Sociological Theory, in conjunction with its complement, Contemporary Sociological Theory, offers readers a complete overview of sociological theory.