Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century

by Michele Dillon

The revised third edition of the text that combines classical and contemporary theories of sociological theory

Thoroughly revised and updated, the third edition of an Introduction to Sociological Theory offers an in-depth introduction to classical and contemporary theories, and demonstrates their relevance to offer a clear understanding of a broad range of contemporary issues and topics. As with the previous editions, the text continues to combine carefully selected primary quotations from a broad range of theorists with extensive discussion and illustrative examples from a diverse range of countries, helpful timelines of important and thematically relevant events, biographical notes, contemporary topic boxes, analytical photos, and chapter glossaries. 

The text addresses topics such as the persistence of economic and social inequality, Brexit, post-truth society, same-sex marriage, digital surveillance and the on-demand gig economy. Written in an engaging style, Introduction to Sociological Theory offers a comprehensive introduction to the pluralistic breadth and wide-ranging applicability of sociological theory. This updated edition of the authoritative

Contains both classical and contemporary theories in a single text Builds on excerpts from original theoretical writings with detailed discussion of the concepts and ideas under review Includes new examples of current empirical topics such as Brexit, Donald Trump’s presidency, China’s growing economic power, global warming, intersectionality, social media, and much more Offers additional resources including a website that contains multiple choice and essay questions, a thoroughly refreshed set of PowerPoint slides for each chapter with multimedia links to content illustrative of sociological processes, a list of complementary primary readings, a quotation bank, and other background materials Written for undergraduate courses in contemporary and classical sociological theory, the third edition of an Introduction to Sociological Theory continues to provide a comprehensive, in-depth, and empirically engaging, introduction to sociological theory.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction, Philosophy

537 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a terrific book, introducing scholars like Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Parsons, Giddens, and a great many others. This book was comprehensive and added a very interesting backdrop of a historical timeline to each chapter to show what was going on in society during the time these scholars lived. A great book. I want to thank my wife for letting me read this book alongside her college course. It was a great read and I learned a great deal.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dillon did a great job writing this comprehensive introduction, and suit newcomers very good. The language is soft and clear, and key concept are highlighted for convenience. A very good sociology primer, very recommended.

[Kayleigh Confair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book. Taking up a minor in Sociology, this book by Michele Dillon accurately and thoroughly describes various theories, concepts, ideologies, and their applicability to our own everyday lived realities. A very interesting book that I enjoyed. :)

[Yanming CHEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-written book for sociology undergraduates and also, graduates. The introduction of those theories is very comprehensive and clear, and the references in every chapter are quite useful for further reading.

[Heather Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading for Contemporary Sociological Theory

[Daizi's Bookish Odyssey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dillon did such a wonderful job writing this comprehensive introduction into the world of sociology. It’s a staple in my writing as a navigate social contexts of education.