Contemporary Sociological Theory: Expanding the Classical Tradition

by Ruth A. Wallace, Alison Wolf

This book examines the assumptions and concepts of the five major sociological theories and the classical roots of the modern theories. It focuses specifically on functionalism, conflict theory, theories of rational choice, symbolic interactionism, and phenomenology. Focusing on writers whose work has most influenced social theory, this book explores the key concepts of each theory, the background of the major theorists, empirical applications, and everyday "lay" use of each perspective. The book also features examples of research based on actual theory, direct quotations from major theorists, and feminist contributions and critiques on each major perspective. The sixth edition of Contemporary Sociological Theory: Continuing the Classical Tradition has been revised to include updated research examples that were theoretically driven. An essential reference for every professional whose work is related to sociology.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction, Social Science, Textbooks

466 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1985

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific bibliography! And overall, a thorough, not entirely impartial review of sociological theory from functionalism to rational choice theory and sociology of the body. I'll be using this over and over as a reference book in the future.

[Ram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expanding the Classical Tradition is a masterfully structured and intellectually generous work that bridges classical foundations with modern theoretical developments. As a reference book during my Master of Philosophy studies, it proved indispensable not just for its breadth, but for its clarity in navigating the often dense terrain of sociological theory. The authors excel at contextualizing major schools of thought functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, rational choice, and phenomenology, while tracing their lineage back to classical thinkers like Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. This continuity between past and present is one of the book’s most compelling strengths. It doesn’t merely present theories; it shows how they evolve, intersect, and respond to one another across time.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its commitment to accessibility without sacrificing intellectual depth. Wallace and Wolf write with a pedagogical sensitivity that makes even abstract concepts feel grounded and relevant. Their treatment of symbolic interactionism and phenomenology, in particular, stands out for its lucidity and real-world resonance. The inclusion of feminist perspectives and attention to power dynamics in everyday life also adds a critical edge that many theory texts lack. The book encourages readers not just to understand theory, but to think with it to apply it reflexively and critically.

That said, a few limitations are worth noting. The text, while comprehensive for its time, shows signs of its publication era (1999), especially in its limited engagement with postcolonial theory, critical race theory, and more recent developments in digital sociology. Readers seeking a global or decolonial perspective may find the coverage somewhat Western-centric. Additionally, while the prose is generally clear, some chapters particularly those on structural functionalism and systems theory can feel conceptually heavy and may require rereading for full comprehension. A more visual or diagrammatic approach in these sections could have enhanced understanding.

Still, these are minor caveats in what is otherwise a deeply enriching and enduring contribution to sociological education. For students, educators, and anyone seeking to grasp the architecture of contemporary sociological thought, Wallace and Wolf offer a roadmap that is both rigorous and humane. It’s a book that doesn’t just inform, it shapes the way I see my society.

[Melike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitabın arka kapağında, sosyoloji kuramları için "...bizim bu dünyayı nasıl gördüğümüz, nasıl anladığımız ve açıkladığımız, aynı zamanda içinde nasıl hareket ettiğimiz ve böylece, onun ne şekil aldığı..." şeklinde bir cümle geçiyor. Kitabın aslında genel özeti denilebilecek bir cümle bu.

Kuramları tek tek açıklayıp, ilgili alanlarda yine kuramlara ve kişilere yer vererek, karşılaştırmalarla birlikte mükemmel bir kaynak oluşturmuşlar. Ayrıca dili çok yalın ve sıkıcı değil.

[Meen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first theory text, and it meant so much to me that the authors were women! (Thanks Dr. Gartman!) I relish theory, and this book was a wonderfully diverse comprehensive overview of the discipline.