Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory: Seeing the Social World, Second Edition is an undergraduate sociological theory textbook that introduces the student to the major classical theorists, including Marx, Spencer, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Mead, Schutz, Gilman, and Du Bois. The theorists were chosen for the diversity of their perspectives as well as their ability to introduce the student to contemporary theory. Kenneth Allan uses a lively informative writing style to engage the students in the eras of social change that spawned the major sociological theories and then applies them to the current era, which also is experiencing major social change. Features and benefits: · The book includes a glossary of terms. Each of the theorist’s important concepts are highlighted in the text and clear definitions provided in the glossary. This feature is particularly important because theory is made up of terms and concepts and without the use of a glossary, it is very easy for the undergraduate theory student to lose track of the terms and meanings. · While the book is organized primarily around the individual theorist’s perspective, a categorical scheme is also provided so the student can roughly situate the theorists and decide for themselves some of sociology’s big questions. The scheme provided in the book is not the one usually used by textbooks. The more commonly used scheme (conflict, functional, interaction) hides some really important questions that the student needs to consider (for example, is society an object or does it exist only through interpretations?). · The book provides an appendix with complete definitions of most of sociology’s major "perspectives" e.g., critical theory (including feminism, race, and queer theory, postmodernism, and so on), exchange theory, rational choice theory, dramaturgy, ethnomethodology, structuration, network theory, ecological theory, social phenomenology, and so on. · The book introduces the power and poetry of theory by extensive use of original source material from the theorists writings.

Praised for its conversational tone, personal examples, and helpful pedagogical tools, the Fourth Edition of Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory: Seeing the Social World is organized around the modern ideas of progress, knowledge, and democracy. With this historical thread woven throughout the chapters, the book examines the works and intellectual contributions of major classical theorists, including Marx, Spencer, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Simmel, Martineau, Gilman, Douglass, Du Bois, Parsons, and the Frankfurt School. Kenneth Allan and new co-author Sarah Daynes focus on the specific views of each theorist, rather than schools of thought, and highlight modernity and postmodernity to help contemporary readers understand how classical sociological theory applies to their lives.

This comprehensive collection of classical sociological theory is a definitive guide to the roots of sociology from its undisciplined beginnings to its current influence on contemporary sociological debate. Explores influential works of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Simmel, Freud, Du Bois, Adorno, Marcuse, Parsons, and Merton Editorial introductions lend historical and intellectual perspective to the substantial readings Includes a new section with new readings on the immediate "pre-history" of sociological theory, including the Enlightenment and de Tocqueville Individual reading selections are updated throughout

This book's individual entries introduce, explain and contextualise the key topics within classical social theory. Definitions, summaries and key words are developed throughout with careful cross-referencing allowing students to move effortlessly between core ideas and themes. Each entry provides: ' Clear definitions ' Lucid accounts of key issues ' Up-to-date suggestions for further reading ' Informative cross-referencing Relevant, focused and accessible this book will provide students with an...

Written by award-winning scholar Jonathan H Turner, this is a comprehensive, in-depth and detailed review of present-day theory in sociology.

Introduces readers to the key figures and founders of sociological theory, including Marx, Weber, Durkheim and Martineau - locating each thinker within their own social, political and historical context and helping readers use these ideas to understand the contemporary world.

"In this book, one of the foremost sociologists of the present day turns his gaze upon the key figures and seminal institutions in the rise of sociology." "This book is a systematic introduction to classical sociology and its development in the twentiethcentury. Accessible and authoritative, it will be required reading for anyone interested in sociology and social theory today."--BOOK JACKET.