The Structure of Sociological Theory

This text covers new and emerging aspects of sociological theory and examines the significant contributions of both modern and founding theorists. Seven sections present detailed analyses of key theories and paradigms, including functionalism, evolutionary theory, conflict theory, critical theory, exchange theory, interactionist theory, and structuralism. The Seventh Edition is a less encyclopedic text than the Sixth Edition; despite the in-depth discussions of theorists and their contributions to the field, the text is concise and focused and is appropriate for use in nine- and ten-week courses.

Over the course of previous editions during some 20 years, the book grew until it bifurcated into double columns and was unwieldy to hold. Turner (U. of California-Riverside) has reduced this edition by 14 chapters and thinned the reference material. The culled material has been recycled onto an associated Web site. He explores the structure of theory in sociology, especially its assumptions and testable propositions, if any. His treatment is more detailed than in most other textbooks. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Booknews

Over the course of previous editions during some 20 years, the book grew until it bifurcated into double columns and was unwieldy to hold. Turner (U. of California-Riverside) has reduced this edition by 14 chapters and thinned the reference material. The culled material has been recycled onto an associated Web site. He explores the structure of theory in sociology, especially its assumptions and testable propositions, if any. His treatment is more detailed than in most other textbooks. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Jonathan Turner is Distinguished Professor of Sociology at UC, Riverside. He has authored dozen of articles and over thirty books, including THE STRUCTURE OF SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY, a companion volume to this book.