A Good Book, In Theory: Making Sense Through Inquiry, Third Edition

by Alan Sears, James Cairns

This highly original and compelling book offers an introduction to the art and science of social inquiry, including the theoretical and methodological frameworks that support that inquiry. The new edition offers coverage of post-modernism and Indigenous ways of knowing, as well as a discussion of the research process and how to communicate arguments effectively. The result is a book that blends the best of earlier editions with updates that provide a strong foundation in critical thinking, rooted in the social sciences but relevant across disciplines.

Genres: Sociology, School, Nonfiction, Theory

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Scott Neigh]

Written to be used while introducing undergraduate students to social theory. Unlike many books used in such contexts, it is about the furthest thing you could imagine from a compendium of chapters organized around "theory X says Y" and "theory A says B." Instead, it focuses more on introducing the reader to theoretical thinking as a general practice, and to showing the connections between theoretical thinking/social theory – so often experienced as alienating and distant – and everyday life. It is not a collection of facts but rather a series of practices, insights, and hopefully relatable concrete examples that will help the reader engage with whatever social theory they happen to encounter.

I've never really been in a context where that kind of elementary learning was happening, as I am not a teacher and my own basic learnings about theory have been largely done on my own, but I'm pretty sure that this book would be how I would want to approach the topic as either teacher or learner. Certainly it strikes me as very cleverly done. I think it is also relevant to at least some of us who want to write about the social world in ways that engage readers who are thoughtful but don't necessary have a formal background in such things. I also appreciated that it gave me a bit of a kick in the pants around some work that I recently finished a draft of – it helped me realize that I've kind of romanticized everyday theorizing in that work, and I need to re-think some elements of it. Anyway, if you are new to thinking about the social world in theoretical ways that go beyond the everyday, this is definitely a useful book to include in your reading. And if you teach related subjects or do related writing aimed at non-experts, it might well be useful for you too.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a special place on my shelf for this humble book on theory that covers just the basic, from a Canadian perspective too, with wit and brevity yet also goes deeply into issues of importance such as Indigenous knowledge and the cycle of inquiry that moves, like Seventh Generation time, away from and back to its starting point. Although not explicit in this third edition, it helped that so many of the really good bits reminded me of the most exciting movie I have seen this decade, so looking forward to seeing more Max in the fourth edition.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an effort to elucidate some of the finer points of theoretical thinking, Sears and Cairns apply social order and conflict theories to the everyday issues that we all face. This approach is successful; the book is clear, concise, and informative.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked reading this book. It was really nice written and because of the contemporary examples i really understood the essence of the book. It was a nice studybook that for sure but when you aren’t interested in social theory i would not recommend the book😂

[Zoe Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for my social theory class in Graduate School and found myself wishing I had it for undergrad. It beautifully explains why social theory is important in a believable way. Sometimes when I am stuck on a classical theorist for class I pick this back up to remind me of my “why”.

[John C. Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative overview of sociological methodology and foundational assumptions.

[Madison Hillis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really not a fan, it strained my brain by trying to think though all of the philosophical ideas thrown around throughout the book.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes im logging my course readings mind your business I’m fighting for my life in my goal for the year

[Susa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yleensä vihaan tenttikirjoja, etenkin jos ne ovat englanniksi, mutta miten aseistariisuva on kirja, jonka alkupuheessa jo ilmoitetaan, että hei, tässä johdanto, tiedän ettei kukaan lue näitä kun en itsekään lue.

Loogista ja helposti ymmärrettävää tekstiä teoriasta, käytännössäkin.

[Anna Shulman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice intro to theoretical thinking with excellent relevant examples and references. A much needed quide for how to think in the age of opinions and alternate facts!