New functionalism and its aftermath

Author: Alexander
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: "New Functionalism and Beyond" will tell us exactly what attitude our generation should adopt towards the past, present, and future. For those who are culturally inclined but dismiss theoretical works, this outstanding book effectively demonstrates how good theory can strongly contend with the empirical reality it discusses. For those who have long joined the camp opposing Parsons, Davis, and others, the book reminds us of the important concerns of new and old functionalism. And for those who have just entered this field, those who read without caring whether the books they read are recognized by sociological classics, this book is an excellent manual that helps them understand what old functionalism sought, how it ultimately failed to achieve its goals, what might have been lost without the salvation of new functionalism, and why we must accept Parsons and others as we accept Marx to join Alexander's transcendence, because without them, it is hard to imagine what sociologists would be like.