The Rise of Sociological Theory. Fifth Edition

Author: Jonathan Turner
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: This book summarizes the development of sociological theory over the first hundred years (1830-1930), primarily introducing Comte, Spencer, Marx, Weber, Simmel, Durkheim, and Mead. It conducts an in-depth examination of these early sociological theorists by exploring their life experiences, analyzing their major works, significant influences, and key insights, and addresses the question, "What do these theories tell us about the fundamental forces that shape the social world?" This question is posed for each theorist, giving the book a unique perspective unlike other works on sociological theory. Additionally, the book abstracts enduring models and principles from the works of each theorist, which will continue to drive the development of contemporary social theory.