Social Forces - SOAN 300 - Herr

This is one of Colleen and Abigail's top picks for understanding Structural Functionalism (Ch.7), Conflict Theory (see Ch. 8 under the heading "Marx's contribution to sociology"), and Weber (see Ch. 9).

Introduces students to Durkheim, Weber, and Marx and shows their continued relevance today. The first chapter sets the stage by situating the work of these three in the context of three modernizing revolutions: the Enlightenment, the French Revolution of 1789, and the Industrial Revolution. Three overview chapters follow that summarize the key ideas of each thinker. The last portion of the book explores the thinking of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber on four themes--the pathologies of modern society, the predicament of the modern individual, the state and democracy, and socialism versus capitalism. These thematic chapters place Marx, Durkheim, and Weber in dialogue with one another, offering students the opportunity to wrestle with conflicting ideas on issues that are still significant today.

This book explains classical theoretical developments in and evolution of the disciplines.

Written by leading academics in the field, Key Sociological Thinkers 2e provides a clear and contextualized introduction to classical and contemporary theory. Each chapter offers an insightful assessment of a different theorist, exploring their lives, works and legacies. Drawing upon examples from the everyday world, an innovative 'Seeing Things Differently' section in every chapter demonstrates how theoretical ideas can be used to illuminate aspects of social life in new ways.

The Encyclopedia of Social Theory, two-volume set, is an indispensable reference source for anyone interested in understanding the roots of contemporary social theory. These include: -Structural fundamentalism; -Marxist theory; -Critical theory; -Phenomenology; -Ethnomethodology; -Exchange theory; -Rational choice; -Feminism; -Multiculturalism; -Postmodernism.