Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory: Seeing the Social World / Edition 2

by Kenneth Allan

Overview

Written in a praised conversational tone with personal examples and bolstered with helpful pedagogical tools, Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory: Seeing the Social World, Second Edition introduces readers to the major classical theorists: Marx, Spencer, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Mead, Schutz, Martineau Gilman, Du Bois, and Parsons. These theorists were chosen for diversity as well as utility in introducing students to contemporary theory. Author Kenneth Allan focuses on the specific views of each theorist, rather than schools of thought, and highlights modernity and postmodernity to help readers understand how classical sociological theory applies to their lives.

New and Proven Features

• An emphasis on teaching readers how to “think theoretically,” offering the context of modernity as a meaningful framework
• A focus on the particular perspective of each theorist with its nuances intact
• A categorical scheme that helps students situate the theorists, compare their work, and ponder for themselves some of sociology’s big questions
• Extensive use of original source material from theorists’ writings, displaying the power and poetry of theory
• “Definition,” “Big Idea,” and “Genesis of a Perspective” boxes throughout each chapter that discuss terms and concepts central to sociology
• A “Building Your Own Theory Toolbox” section at the end of each chapter to encourage further exploration

Other theory texts from Kenneth Allan

The Social Lens: An Invitation to Social and Sociologial Theory
Contemporary Social and Sociological Theory: Visualizing Social Worlds

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781412978125
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	11/17/2009
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	472
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Kenneth Allan is Associate Professor (Ph.D., University of California at Riverside, 1995). Most recent teaching is in the areas of: Sociological Theory, Social Psychology, and Sociology of Culture. He has published numerous articles in theory, and a book in 1998, The Meaning of Culture, explicating cultural theory. He also contributed to Turner’s last two editions of The Structure of Sociological Theory. Over the past eight years he has taught well over 30 courses in social theory.

Table of Contents

1. Imagining Society
2. Organic Evolution-Herbert Spencer (British, 1820–1903)
3. Engines of Change-Karl Marx (German, 1818–1883)
4. Cultural Consensus- Émile Durkheim (French, 1885–1917)
5. Authority and Rationality-Max Weber (German, 1864–1920)
6. Society and the Individual-Georg Simmel (German, 1858–1918)
7. Self-Consciousness-George Herbert Mead (American, 1863–1931)
8. A Society of Difference-Harriet Martineau, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and W.E.B. Du Bois
9. The Problem of Meaning and Reality-Alfred Schutz (Austrian, 1899–1959)
10. The Social System- Talcott Parsons (American, 1902–1979)
11: Theorizing Society

Editorial Reviews

I have [been] using Allan's books since I started teaching social theory courses as an adjunct in grad school. [He] takes complicated materials that can be very dense and obtuse [and presents] concepts in a straightforward manner. The writing clarity stands on its own.

William G. Holt

Allan does a much better job of setting the scene for [an] understanding of Classical Theory than other texts I have used in the past. He also speaks in lay terms so that undergraduates [can] grasp the material.”

Eileen Connell

I feel that the Sociological Imagination sections, Theoretical Hints, Enduring Issues, and Theory Toolboxes are especially useful to my students.

Stephanie Bucy

[Explorations in Classical Sociology Theory] makes accessible to undergraduates rather difficult material. [It] sets theories in the context of major conceptual frameworks and orientations [and] offers contemporary interpretations and applications.”

Rachel Filinson