Written by one of the foremost authorities in American sociological theory, this comprehensive text spans the history of sociological theory from its inception to the present. Sociological Theory is divided into four parts. Part 1 opens with a chapter that places the early sociological thinkers in context and then follows with separate chapters on four early sociological thinkers. Part 2 opens with a similar introductory chapter covering the later years and then looks at each major school. Part 3 addresses recent integrative developments (micro-macro and agency-structure). Part 4 covers contemporary theories of modernity, structuralism and post-structuralism, and the emergence of postmodern social theory. The book concludes with an Appendix which provides a metatheoretical schema that informs the text and highlights the latest work in sociological metatheorizing.
As a student of sociology, I have to say that this is a practical textbook, yet lacking in many aspects. Ritzer tends to simplify some very important aspects of many theories. On the other side, he often pays much attention to less important aspects of grand theories. I am not a passionate Marxist, but the lack of attention given to Neo-marxism is a big minus. I am an European student and am therefore used to heavier literature, so this opinion might be biased. But in my opinion, this book oversimplifies important sociological theories. It can be considered as a kind of "popular" literature in this field.
یکی از مهمترین کتابها در حوزه جامعهشناسی این کتاب است. کتاب که هر دانشجوی جامعهشناسی و کسی که در این حوزه مطالعه و پژوهش میکنند باید بخوانند. این کتاب بعد از کتاب جامعهشناسی گیدنز، حکم توضیحالمسائل جامعهشناسی را دارد.
Visserligen kurslitteratur men gillar sociologisk teori och George Ritzer skriver väldigt väl, tydligt och förståeligt om olika teorier. Gör att även den som inte är van vid sociologiska teorier förstår de mer tyngre teorierna.