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Classical Sociological Theory
A world-class introduction to the historical and continuing impact of classical theory on sociological debate
The latest edition of Classical Sociological Theory offers students a definitive guide to the theoretical foundations of sociology and the continuing impact of the ideas explored by early theorists, including Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Simmel, Freud, Du Bois, Adorno, Marcuse, Parsons, and Merton. The prestigious editors have integrated several readings on the most influential theories arising out of the Enlightenment era and the work of de Tocqueville.
Readers are introduced to seminal works in classical sociological theory by way of editorial introductions that lend historical and intellectual perspective to the included readings. The readings themselves have been selected based on their combinations of theoretical sophistication and accessibility. From analyses of self and society to examinations of critical theory and structural-functional analysis, Classical Sociological Theory remains the gold standard in classical theory readers.
The Fourth Edition of this widely taught book includes:
Selections that trace the history of classical sociological theory, from its undisciplined roots to its modern influence on contemporary sociological debate Readings describing the "pre-history" of sociology, including ideas from the Enlightenment and de Tocqueville Editorial introductions that place selected works firmly in their intellectual, philosophical, and historical contexts for the benefit of the student A distinguished and scholarly team of editors with a wide and deep range of expertise Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students of social and sociological theory, Classical Sociological Theory is also a thought-provoking resource ideal for use in courses taught in human geography, anthropology, criminology, and urban studies programs.
The latest edition of Classical Sociological Theory offers students a definitive guide to the theoretical foundations of sociology and the continuing impact of the ideas explored by early theorists, including Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Simmel, Freud, Du Bois, Adorno, Marcuse, Parsons, and Merton. The prestigious editors have integrated several readings on the most influential theories arising out of the Enlightenment era and the work of de Tocqueville.
Readers are introduced to seminal works in classical sociological theory by way of editorial introductions that lend historical and intellectual perspective to the included readings. The readings themselves have been selected based on their combinations of theoretical sophistication and accessibility. From analyses of self and society to examinations of critical theory and structural-functional analysis, Classical Sociological Theory remains the gold standard in classical theory readers.
The Fourth Edition of this widely taught book includes:
Selections that trace the history of classical sociological theory, from its undisciplined roots to its modern influence on contemporary sociological debate Readings describing the "pre-history" of sociology, including ideas from the Enlightenment and de Tocqueville Editorial introductions that place selected works firmly in their intellectual, philosophical, and historical contexts for the benefit of the student A distinguished and scholarly team of editors with a wide and deep range of expertise Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students of social and sociological theory, Classical Sociological Theory is also a thought-provoking resource ideal for use in courses taught in human geography, anthropology, criminology, and urban studies programs.
576 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 28, 2024
While I understand why it's considered foundational to my sociology major, this book was a challenging read. The wide range of theories it covers is valuable, but the excerpts felt dated, which made it difficult to fully engage with the material. I found myself rereading sections multiple times, trying to slow down and digest the complex ideas, and it often gave me headaches.
That said, I recognize its importance in my studies—it's a must-read for anyone serious about sociology theory. As someone who leans more toward theory rather than social research methods, I can see how this book lays the groundwork for deeper exploration into the field. It just wasn't as easy or enjoyable as I had hoped.
That said, I recognize its importance in my studies—it's a must-read for anyone serious about sociology theory. As someone who leans more toward theory rather than social research methods, I can see how this book lays the groundwork for deeper exploration into the field. It just wasn't as easy or enjoyable as I had hoped.
December 9, 2021
Dit boek can burn<3
August 25, 2007
If you aren't interested in reading an entire book of Karl Marx's writings, or find sociology to be a bit wordy at times (that's right Durkheim, I said it!), this is a great selection.
It's mostly the Big Names of sociology - Marx, Mills, Durkheim, Weber, but a few others as well. The nice thing is that it's well edited and compiled into nice chapters, and not necessarily all the same readings we sociologists have been told to read.
It's mostly the Big Names of sociology - Marx, Mills, Durkheim, Weber, but a few others as well. The nice thing is that it's well edited and compiled into nice chapters, and not necessarily all the same readings we sociologists have been told to read.
June 14, 2021
This would be great reading material for an introductory class on Classical Sociological Theory. I'm looking forward to reading this more carefully in the Fall, as well as Calhoun's Contemporary Sociological Theory book.
July 8, 2020
Good reader with thoughtful introductions.
December 30, 2023
Read many segments of this during my modern philosophy course, lovely excerpts from philosophers and summaries of their thoughts in a digestible manner.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews