Classical Sociological Theory: Rediscovering the Promise of Sociology

Based on the theme that the authors call "rediscovering the promise of sociology," CLASSICAL SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY covers the period from the early 19th century and the emergence of the distinct field of sociology through the first decades of the 20th century. The three major theories of functionalism, conflict perspective and the beginning of symbolic interactionism are all developed in the classical phase. After identifying the emergence of a social philosophy dating back to the Enlightenment in chapter one, the text then follows a pattern in which each chapter is devoted to one of the major theorists and their work. Theorists are placed into their social and intellectual context. Each chapter devotes considerable content to an explanation of the writers core principles, and then submits each principle to a series of four fundamental questions. The chapter ends by providing an assessment of each of the theorists.

The source of social order and conflict, the relationship between consciousness and society, the proper sociological methods and practices, how sociology can help develop a society in which freedom can best be realized—these are the questions addressed here. Goodwin (sociology, U. of La Verne) and Scimecca (sociology, George Mason U.) discuss these issues with reference to Comte, Martineau, Marx, Herbert Spencer, Durkheim, Simmel, Weber, George Herbert Mead, Jane Addams and Du Bois. In each case the authors include biographies for each, their intellectual contexts, and their sociological methods and thought, along with assessments of their influence on sociology. The final chapter summarizes the work of such classical American sociologists as Sumner, Ward, Ross, Kelley, Park and Ogburn. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Glenn A. Goodwin is Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Pitzer College, Claremont, California, and is currently (Adjunct) Professor of Sociology at the University of La Verne in La Verne, California. He has served on the faculties of Wayne State University, Claremont Graduate University, The American University in Cairo, Egypt, University of California, San Francisco, Ohio University, and Chapman University. Goodwin's work has appeared in a variety of professional journals and books, and he is co-editor of the volume 'PROFESSING' HUMANIST SOCIOLOGY (American Sociological Association). He received his Ph.D from Tulane University.

Joseph A. Scimecca is Professor of Sociology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. He was formerly Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and Director of the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. He has served on the faculties of St. John's University, Upsala College, Herbert H. Lehman College - CUNY, University of Maine, and SUNY-Albany. A prolific author, Dr. Scimecca is the author of CRISIS AT ST. JOHN'S: STRIKE AND REVOLUTION ON THE CATHOLIC CAMPUS, THE SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY OF C. WRIGHT MILLS, EDUCATION AND SOCIETY, SOCIOLOGY: ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION, SOCIETY AND FREEDOM: AN INTRODUCTION TO HUMANIST SOCIOLOGY, and co-editor of CONFLICT RESOLUTION: CROSS CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES. He received his Ph.D from New York University.