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Classical Sociological Theory
In an accessible and thoughtful manner, this anthology--an update of Social and Political Classical Readings (1998)--introduces students to the key classic texts in social thought. In the second edition, Michael Kimmel focuses more specifically on the discipline of sociology, rather than melding classical sociological and political theories in one volume. Taking a serious look at the canonical texts, he presents a diverse range of thinkers who were critical to the development of sociological theory and offers a more inclusive classical canon that is informed by both the historical record and the needs of contemporary students.
Many of the classical theorists whose works are included here were much more influential than the canon suggested. For example, the writings of Mary Wollstonecraft, Frederick Douglass, Margaret Fuller, and W.E.B Du Bois were widely disseminated and discussed in their time, yet they were pushed to the margins of the canon, declared to be derivative or second-rate. In attempting to set the record a bit straighter, Kimmel restores these and other forgotten thinkers to the positions they once held. The questions they posed are among the most vital theoretical and political questions of our era, evidence that classical social and political theory continues to speak to new generations of students about the issues that most affect their lives.
Features new to the second
* Selections of key texts by Auguste Comte ( Positive Philosophy of Auguste Comte ); Edmund Burke ( Reflections on the Revolution in France ); John Dewey ( Democracy and Education ); and Elsie Clews Parsons ( Women in Public Life )
* Stronger disciplinary focus within sociology
Classical Social Theory , Second Edition, is an ideal text for courses in the theory of sociology, the history of social theory, the history of political thought, and western philosophy.
Many of the classical theorists whose works are included here were much more influential than the canon suggested. For example, the writings of Mary Wollstonecraft, Frederick Douglass, Margaret Fuller, and W.E.B Du Bois were widely disseminated and discussed in their time, yet they were pushed to the margins of the canon, declared to be derivative or second-rate. In attempting to set the record a bit straighter, Kimmel restores these and other forgotten thinkers to the positions they once held. The questions they posed are among the most vital theoretical and political questions of our era, evidence that classical social and political theory continues to speak to new generations of students about the issues that most affect their lives.
Features new to the second
* Selections of key texts by Auguste Comte ( Positive Philosophy of Auguste Comte ); Edmund Burke ( Reflections on the Revolution in France ); John Dewey ( Democracy and Education ); and Elsie Clews Parsons ( Women in Public Life )
* Stronger disciplinary focus within sociology
Classical Social Theory , Second Edition, is an ideal text for courses in the theory of sociology, the history of social theory, the history of political thought, and western philosophy.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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About the author
Michael S. Kimmel
63 books195 followersMichael Scott Kimmel is an American sociologist, specializing in gender studies. He is among the leading researchers and writers on men and masculinity in the world today. The author or editor of more than twenty volumes, his books include The Politics of Manhood, and The History of Men (2005).
His documentary history, "Against the Tide: Pro-Feminist Men in the United States, 1776-1990" (Beacon, 1992), chronicled men who supported women’s equality since the founding of the country. His book, Manhood in America: A Cultural History (1996) was hailed as the definitive work on the subject. Reviewers called the book "wide-ranging, level headed, human and deeply interesting," "superb...thorough, impressive and fascinating."
His most recent book, Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men (2008) is a best-selling investigation of young people’s lives today, based on interviews with more than 400 young men, ages 16-26. Feminist icon Gloria Steinem said that "Michael Kimmel's Guyland could save the humanity of many young men – and the sanity of their friends and parents."
Kimmel holds the position of Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in New York, and is a spokesperson of NOMAS (The National Organization For Men Against Sexism).
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
His documentary history, "Against the Tide: Pro-Feminist Men in the United States, 1776-1990" (Beacon, 1992), chronicled men who supported women’s equality since the founding of the country. His book, Manhood in America: A Cultural History (1996) was hailed as the definitive work on the subject. Reviewers called the book "wide-ranging, level headed, human and deeply interesting," "superb...thorough, impressive and fascinating."
His most recent book, Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men (2008) is a best-selling investigation of young people’s lives today, based on interviews with more than 400 young men, ages 16-26. Feminist icon Gloria Steinem said that "Michael Kimmel's Guyland could save the humanity of many young men – and the sanity of their friends and parents."
Kimmel holds the position of Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in New York, and is a spokesperson of NOMAS (The National Organization For Men Against Sexism).
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
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