Advertisement
| introduction to sociological theory: Introduction to Sociological Theory Michele Dillon, 2020-01-07 The revised third edition of the text that combines classical and contemporary theories of sociological theory Thoroughly revised and updated, the third edition of an Introduction to Sociological Theory offers an in-depth introduction to classical and contemporary theories, and demonstrates their relevance to offer a clear understanding of a broad range of contemporary issues and topics. As with the previous editions, the text continues to combine carefully selected primary quotations from a broad range of theorists with extensive discussion and illustrative examples from a diverse range of countries, helpful timelines of important and thematically relevant events, biographical notes, contemporary topic boxes, analytical photos, and chapter glossaries. The text addresses topics such as the persistence of economic and social inequality, Brexit, post-truth society, same-sex marriage, digital surveillance and the on-demand gig economy. Written in an engaging style, Introduction to Sociological Theory offers a comprehensive introduction to the pluralistic breadth and wide-ranging applicability of sociological theory. This updated edition of the authoritative text: Contains both classical and contemporary theories in a single text Builds on excerpts from original theoretical writings with detailed discussion of the concepts and ideas under review Includes new examples of current empirical topics such as Brexit, Donald Trump’s presidency, China’s growing economic power, global warming, intersectionality, social media, and much more Offers additional resources including a website that contains multiple choice and essay questions, a thoroughly refreshed set of PowerPoint slides for each chapter with multimedia links to content illustrative of sociological processes, a list of complementary primary readings, a quotation bank, and other background materials Written for undergraduate courses in contemporary and classical sociological theory, the third edition of an Introduction to Sociological Theory continues to provide a comprehensive, in-depth, and empirically engaging, introduction to sociological theory. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Theoretical Sociology Jonathan H. Turner, 2013-07-11 What can sociological theory tell us about the basic forces that shape our world? With clarity and authority, leading theorist Jonathan H. Turner seeks to answer this question through a brief, yet in-depth examination of twelve major sociological theories. Readers are given an opportunity to explore the foundational premise of each theory and key elements that make it distinctive. The book draws on biographical background, analysis of important works, historical influences, and other critical insights to help readers make the important connections between these monumental sociological theories and the social world in which we live. This concise resource is a perfect complement to any course that seeks to examine both classic and contemporary sociological theory. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Classical Sociological Theory Craig Calhoun, Joseph Gerteis, James Moody, Steven Pfaff, Indermohan Virk, 2012-01-17 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 |
| introduction to sociological theory: Introducing Social Theory Pip Jones, Liz Bradbury, Shaun LeBoutillier, 2011-07-12 Introducing Social Theory traces the development of social theorizing from the classical ideas about modernity of Durkheim, Marx and Weber, right up to a uniquely accessible review of contemporary theoretical controversies in sociology surrounding post-modernity and reflexive sociology. With great clarity, the authors explain the ideas of seminal thinkers such as Foucault, Bauman, Habermas, Beck, Bourdieu and Giddens, as well as paying increased attention to other important contributions from theorists such as Margaret Archer, Fredric Jameson and George Ritzer.--Publisher description. |
| introduction to sociological theory: A Beginner's Guide to Social Theory Shaun Best, 2003-02-24 Offering a comprehensive overview of social theory from classical sociology to the present day, this text guides students through the work of Durkheim, Marx and Weber, feminism, postmodernism and contemporary thinkers like Foucault. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Sociological Theory Walter L. Wallace, Annotation In this fundamental contribution to the study and application of sociological theory, Wallace examines a wide range of theories within a framework that clarifies their interrelationships and illustrates their implications for empirical research. Wallace is able to point out the symbiotic relationships among these theories which, at first, may appear to be in direct opposition--or at least discord.Sociological Theory begins with an original essay by the editor that introduces the reader to eleven general theoretical viewpoints. He calls these ecologism, demographism, materialism, psychologism, technologism, functional structuralism, exchange structuralism, conflict structuralism, symbolic interactionism, social actionism, and functional imperativism. To do this, Wallace assembles selected readings by major theorists that provide detailed examples of each of the theoretical viewpoints discussed. The selections are keyed to the framework developed in the Introduction, so as to enable the reader to work back and forth between the general and the particular statements. Offering far more than a mere survey or an abstract critical analysis, In this way, Sociological Theory provides a learning matrix that facilitates comprehension and enables the reader systematically to expand his knowledge of sociological theory.In developing his analytical framework, Wallace points out how these different types of theory complement rather than conflict with one another. Through this approach, he is able to show the distinctive level and scope of analysis of each theory to demonstrate why the sociologist must draw upon and integrate several viewpoints for interpreting research results and formulating hypotheses. A useful guide and reference work for researchers and teachers, the book is an excellent basic or supplementary text for all theory courses. As Robert K. Merton noted at the time of the original publication, Sociological Theory is a beautiful piece of work. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Sociological Theory Richard W. Hadden, 1997-04 This is an introduction to the central concepts and arguments of the sociological theorists, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. It touches on the initial turn to sociological thought through a brief discussion of the Enlightenment, Conservative Reaction, Comte and Spencer. From this sociological blend of liberal and conservative ideas the work moves to its core discussion of the varying accounts of modern society found in the works of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. From Marx's reading of history and analysis of capitalism it moves through Durkheim's accounts of social solidarity and suicide to Weber's understanding of bureaucracy and of the religious foundations of the modern work ethic. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Social Theory Hans Joas, Wolfgang Knöbl, 2009-07-09 Social theory is the theoretical core of the social sciences, clearly distinguishable from political theory and cultural analysis. This book offers a unique overview of the development of social theory from the end of the Second World War in 1945 to the present day. Spanning the literature in English, French and German, it provides an excellent background to the most important social theorists and theories in contemporary sociological thought, with crisp summaries of the main books, arguments and controversies. It also deals with newly emerging schools from rational choice to symbolic interactionism, with new ambitious approaches (Habermas, Luhmann, Giddens, Bourdieu), structuralism and antistructuralism, critical revisions of modernization theory, feminism and neopragmatism. Written by two of the world's leading sociologists and based on their extensive academic teaching, this unrivalled work is ideal both for students in the social sciences and humanities and for anyone interested in contemporary theoretical debates. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Social Theory Mark Murphy, 2021-08-22 This textbook delivers a new thematic introduction to social theory that explores theoretical issues in their contemporary social contexts. Each chapter is devoted to a specific thematic area, including the state, governance, the economy, civil society, culture, language, knowledge, the self, emotions, the body, and social justice. Each chapter details the key issues for debate and the relevant theories while linking those debates and theories to everyday life. Distributed throughout the chapters are focused sections on key concepts and their research applications, alongside helpful additional detail including a glossary, further suggested readings, chapter summaries, and questions for discussion. The book also provides useful information on key theoretical movements such as feminism, Marxism, and post-structuralism, as well as biographies of key theorists. As such, it reflects the breadth of social theory and its interdisciplinary nature by drawing on thinkers not just from sociology, but also from philosophy, history, literature, geography, cultural and gender studies. The book’s logical structure and clear pedagogical features make it an appealing and accessible introductory text for students new to social theory. The chapters demonstrate the relevance of social theory to everyday life, such that readers can understand and actively engage with key concepts. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Introduction to Sociological Theory Michele Dillon, 2024-04-04 Introduces both classical and contemporary sociological theory in a single comprehensive volume Introduction to Sociological Theory helps undergraduate and graduate students appreciate the diverse perspectives found in sociological analysis, apply theoretical concepts to contemporary issues, and think analytically about everyday occurrences beyond the classroom. Covering a diverse range of theorists and conceptual frameworks, this easily accessible textbook integrates carefully selected primary quotations, extensive discussion of key topics, and a wealth of illustrative empirical examples from around the world. The updated fourth edition of Introduction to Sociological Theory provides new contemporary examples, new discussion of current events, and new material demonstrating the relevance and practical application of sociological concepts in daily life. An entirely new section on posthumanism is accompanied by timely coverage of climate change, COVID-19, social media, post-truth society, the gig economy, ChatGPT, intersectionality, economic and racial inequality, and more. Written in a lively and engaging style, Introduction to Sociological Theory: Illustrates the relevance and real-world application of various sociological concepts and analytical ideas Offers detailed discussion of concepts and ideas found in excerpts from original theoretical writings Helps students apply theoretical concepts to sociological topics such as globalization, inequality, crime, race and gender, political sociology, sexuality, culture, and religion Contains timelines of significant events, analytical photos, chapter glossaries, end-of-chapter review questions, full references, and mini-biographies of important figures Includes access to a companion website with multiple-choice and essay questions, PowerPoint slides, complementary primary readings, a quotation bank, and other background materials Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century, Fourth Edition, remains an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses on contemporary and classical sociological theory, as well as an excellent supplement for related courses across the social sciences. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Classical Theory and Modern Studies Mark Abrahamson, 2010 Classical Theory and Modern Studies discusses the ideas and insights of major figures in the classical period of sociological theory, and explores their continuing relevance to contemporary sociology. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Contemporary Social Theory Anthony Elliott, 2009-01-13 This book is arguably the definitive undergraduate textbook on contemporary social theory. Written by one of the world’s most acclaimed social theorists, Anthony Elliott provides a dazzlingly accessible and comprehensive introduction to modern social theory from the Frankfurt School to globalization theories and beyond. In distilling the essentials of social theory, Elliott reviews the works of major theorists including Theodor Adorno, Herbert Marcuse, Michel Foucault, Jacques Lacan, Jacques Derrida, Anthony Giddens, Pierre Bourdieu, Julia Kristeva, Jurgen Habermas, Judith Butler, Slavoj Zizek, Manuel Castells, Ulrich Beck, Zygmunt Bauman, Giorgio Agamben and Manuel De Landa. Every social theorist discussed is contextualized in a wider political and historical context, and from which their major contributions to social theory are critically assessed. This book is essential reading for students and professionals in the fields of social theory, sociology and cultural studies, as it is both an original enquiry and a consummate introduction to social theory. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Modern Sociological Theory M. Francis Abraham, 1982 This book is a comprehensive overview of several major schools of sociological theory. Looking at various approaches from different cultural contexts, Abraham first explains conflicting views about the meaning of sociological theory itself, then analyzes the basic sociological concepts of system, structure, function, and conflict, and the methodology of sociological theory. Designed to familiarize students with contemporary schools of theory--including the most recent trends--the book clearly defines structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and phenomenological sociology. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Introducing Sociological Theory Darren O'Byrne, 2013-11-26 Introducing Sociological Theory offers a comprehensive, navigable and highly readable introduction to the main schools of thought in sociology, along with the philosophical ideas that underpin them. 8 broad theoretical traditions, or perspectives, are explained helping you to recognize the scope and range of sociological theory and to think sociologically and see the social world in different ways. The author skilfully and revealingly engages with each theoretical perspective showing what it actually means, why it utilises certain concepts over others, and how it generates and derives from evolving traditions of sociological thought. Introducing Sociological Theory is an essential text for all sociology students and of key interest more broadly within the social sciences and humanities. |
| introduction to sociological theory: The Emergence of Sociological Theory Jonathan H. Turner, Leonard Beeghley, Charles H. Powers, 1989 |
| introduction to sociological theory: Emile Durkheim Robert Alun Jones, 1986-01-01 Professor Jones gives a succinct and critical analysis of the sociological theories and methodology of Emile Durkheim. He focuses on four of Durkheim's books -- The Division Of Labour In Society (1893), The Rules Of Sociological Method (1895) and The Elementary Forms Of Religious Life (1912). With an illuminating chapter analysis of each work, this text is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Social Theory Alex Callinicos, 1999 A concluding chapter considers the contemporary condition of social theory including the analysis of late modernity by Ulrich Beck and Anthony Giddens. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Sociological Theory in Transition (RLE Social Theory) Mark Wardell, Stephen Turner, 2014-08-07 Current sociological theories appear to have lost their general persuasiveness in part because, unlike the theories of the ‘classical era’, they fail to maintain an integrated stance toward society, and the practical role that sociology plays in society. The authors explore various facets of this failure and possibilities for reconstructing sociological theories as integrated wholes capable of conveying a moral and political immediacy. They discuss the evolution of several concepts (for example, the social, structure, and self) and address the significant disputes (for example, structuralism versus humanism, and individual versus society) that have dominated twentieth-century sociological thought. Their ideas and analyses are directed towards an audience of students and theorists who are coming to terms with the project of sociological theory, and its relationship with moral discourses and political practice. The authors of these essays are sociological theorists from the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. They are all established, but not ‘establishment’ authors. The book contains no orthodoxies, and no answers. However, the essays do contribute to identifying the range of issues that will constitute the agenda for the next generation of sociological theorists. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Sociological Theory in the Digital Age Gabe Ignatow, 2020-02-20 What is the role of sociological theory in the information age? What kinds of theories are best suited to analyzing the social uses of digital technologies, and for using digital technologies in new ways to study the social? This book contributes to several ongoing conversations on how the social sciences can best adapt to contemporary information technologies and information societies. Focusing on practical or ‘usable theory,’ it surveys the challenges and opportunities of conducting social science in the information age, as well as the theoretical solutions that sociologists have developed and applied over the last two decades. With specific attention to three theoretical approaches in digital social research—critical theory, forensic theory and Bourdieusian theory—the author provides an overview of the history and main tenets of each, surveys its use in sociological research, and evaluates its successes and limitations. Taking a long-term view of theoretical development in evaluating schools of thought and considering their productivity in analyzing and using contemporary digital communication technologies, this book thus treats theory as a tool for empirical research and the development of theory as inseparable from research practice. As such, it will appeal to scholars of sociology and social theory with interests in research methods, the development of theory and digital technologies. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Introduction to the Social Sciences (RLE Social Theory) Maurice Duverger, 2020-09-10 Professor Duverger at last provides the student with an overall view of the methodology of the social sciences. He briefly traces the origin of the notion of a social science, showing how it emerged from social philosophy. Its essential elements and pre-conditions are described; the splintering of social science into specialist disciplines is explained, and the need for a general sociology confirmed. The techniques of observation used by social scientists are dealt with in some detail and the unity of the social sciences is illustrated by examples of the universal application of these techniques. Documentary evidence in its various forms are described along with the basic analytical techniques, including quantitative methods and content analysis. Other methods of gathering information through polls, interviews, attitude scales and participant observation are all described. Professor Duverger brings together the different kinds of analysis used to assess the information thus gathered. Arguing that observing and theorizing are not two different stages or levels of research, he examines the practical value and difficulties of general sociological theories, partial theories and models and working hypotheses. He both describes and assesses the limitations of experiment and the scope of comparative methods in the social sciences. He then gives elementary instructions for using and assessing the value of mathematical techniques. The possibilities of presenting social phenomena through graphs and charts are also explored. There are useful book lists and diagrams. |
| introduction to sociological theory: An Introduction to Sociological Theory Margaret Wilson Vine, 1969 Emphasizes American sociological theory and thos European theorists who have exerted most influence in America. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Sport, Exercise and Social Theory Gyozo Molnar, John Kelly, 2012 Sport, Exercise and Social Theory is a concise and engaging introduction to the key theories that underpin the study of sport, exercise and society. Using vivid examples and descriptions of sport-related events and exercise practices, the book explains why social theories are important as well as how to use them, giving students the tools to navigate with confidence through any course in the sociology of sport and exercise. Designed to be used by students who have never studied sociology before, and including a whole chapter on the practical application of social theory to their own study, it provides training in critical thinking and helps students to develop intellectual skills which will serve them throughout their professional and personal lives. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Contemporary Sociological Theory Jonathan H. Turner, 2012-09-20 Written by award-winning scholar, Jonathan Turner, Contemporary Sociological Theory covers the range of diversity of theory in nine theoretical traditions, and variants of theoretical approaches in these traditions. The result is a comprehensive review of present-day theorizing in sociology covering functional, evolutionary, ecological, conflict, interactionist, exchange, structuralist, cultural, and critical theories and the major proponents of these theories. Moreover, for each theoretical tradition, it origins are examined in a separate chapter with an eye to how classical theorists influenced the work of key contemporary scholars. This book will serve as a valuable resource for those readers seeking in-depth and comprehensive coverage of contemporary traditions in their historical contexts. Unlike many texts, coverage is comprehensive and deep. The theories and their origins are examined in detail so that readers can fully understand the origins and present profile of theories in present-day sociology. Unlike many texts that skim over theories on the surface, this book seeks to unlock for the reader their underlying structure of each theory. The book is written in a modular format so that theories and traditions can be examined in any order, and in many diverse combinations. If desired, only the contemporary theories can be read without attention to their historical contexts, or the reverse is true if readers want to understand the historical origins of a particular theoretical tradition. Since Jonathan Turner is an active theorist in his own right, he brings to the book an appreciation of how theories are created as an insider rather than as only a commentator on theory. As such, he is able to bring out the underlying assumptions, structure, and form of a theory in new and interesting ways for casual readers and scholars alike. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Classical Sociological Theory Steven Loyal, Sinisa Malesevic, 2020-11-07 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. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Contemporary Sociological Theory Doyle Paul Johnson, 2008-03-29 This volume is designed as a basic text for upper level and graduate courses in contemporary sociological theory. Most sociology programs require their majors to take at least one course in sociological theory, sometimes two. A typical breakdown is between classical and contemporary theory. Theory is perhaps one of the bro- est areas of sociological inquiry and serves as a foundation or framework for more specialized study in specific substantive areas of the field. In addition, the study of sociological theory can readily be related to various aspects of other social science disciplines as well. From the very beginning sociology has been characterized by alternative theoretical perspectives. Classical theory includes the European founding figures of the dis- pline whose works were produced during the later half of the nineteenth century and the first couple of decades of the twentieth century plus early American th- rists. For most of the second half of the twentieth century, a fairly high consensus has developed among American sociologists regarding these major founders, p- ticularly with regard to the works of Durkheim and Weber in analyzing the overall society and of Simmel in analyzing social interaction processes. Since the late 1960s and early 1970s the influence of Marx has also been recognized. Recent decades have also witnessed an increased emphasis on the important contributions of several pioneering feminist perspectives in the early years of sociology. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory Scott Appelrouth, Laura Desfor Edles, 2020-08-13 Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory: Text and Readings provides students with the best of both worlds—carefully-edited excerpts from the original works of sociology′s key thinkers accompanied by an analytical framework that discusses the lives, ideas, and historical circumstances of each theorist. This unique format enables students to examine, compare, and contrast each theorist’s major themes and concepts. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Modern Sociological Theory Malcolm Waters, 1994-01-21 Textbook on contemporary social thought |
| introduction to sociological theory: Power, Trust, and Meaning S. N. Eisenstadt, 1995-06-15 S. N. Eisenstadt is well known for his wide-ranging investigations of modernization, social stratification, revolution, comparative civilization, and political development. This collection of twelve major theoretical essays spans more than forty years of research, to explore systematically the bases of human action and society. Framed by a new introduction and an extensive epilogue, which are themselves important statements about processes of institutional formations and cultural creativity, the essays trace the major developments of contemporary sociological theory and analysis. Examining themes of trust and solidarity among immigrants, youth groups, and generations, and in friendships, kinships, and patron-client relationships, Eisenstadt explores larger questions of social structure and agency, conflict and change, and the reconstitution of the social order. He looks also at political and religious systems, paying particular attention to great historical empires and the major civilizations. United by what they reveal about three major dimensions of social life—power, trust, and meaning—these essays offer a vision of culture as both a preserving and a transforming aspect of social life, thus providing a new perspective on the relations between culture and social structure. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Classical Sociological Theory Steven Loyal, Sinisa Malesevic, 2020-09-30 Introducing the founders of sociological theory – from Marx, Weber, Durkheim and Martineau through to Simmel, DuBois, Mead and others – this accessible textbook locates each thinker within their own social, political and historical context. By doing so, it helps readers to understand the development of central sociological concepts and how they can help us understand the contemporary world. The book includes: Lively biographical sections to help readers get to know each thinker Clear and easy-to-understand accounts of each theorist’s arguments - and the most common criticisms Key concept boxes highlighting the most influential ideas This comprehensive, enlightening text brings the rich and diverse field of classical sociological theory to life. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Contemporary Sociological Theory Ruth A. Wallace, Alison Wolf, 1999 For one-semester, junior/senior-level courses in Contemporary Sociological Theory, or in a Classical and Contemporary Theory course. This text examines the assumptions and concepts of the five major sociological theories and the classical roots of the modern theories. It focuses specifically on functionalism, conflict theory, theories of rational choice, symbolic interactionism, and phenomenology. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory Kenneth Allan, Sarah Daynes, 2016-09-22 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. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Introduction to Sociology 2e Heather Griffiths, Nathan Keirns, Gail Scaramuzzo, Susan Cody-Rydzewski, Eric Strayer, Sally Vyrain, 2017-12-31 Introduction to Sociology adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical introductory sociology course. In addition to comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories, we have incorporated section reviews with engaging questions, discussions that help students apply the sociological imagination, and features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways. Although this text can be modified and reorganized to suit your needs, the standard version is organized so that topics are introduced conceptually, with relevant, everyday experiences. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Modern Social Theory Austin Harrington, 2005 This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the core topics, theories and debates in modern social theory. Fourteen chapters have been written by leading specialists in the field, providing up-to-date guidance on the full sweep of the modern sociological imagination, from the legacies of the classical figures of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel and Parsons to the work of cutting-edge contemporary theorists. Separate chapters discuss functionalism and its critics, interpretive and interactionist theory, historical social theory, western Marxism, psychoanalytic social theory, structuralism and post-structuralism, structure and agency theory, feminist social theory, postmodernism and its critics, and theories about globalization. All chapters are supplied with questions for discussion, study boxes, guidance on further reading and useful website addresses. It is ideal for students of sociology and cultural studies pursuing foundational courses in the history and theory of social analysis, and is also accessible for the general reader. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Sociological Theory for Digital Society Ori Schwarz, 2021 How to rethink social theory in our digital times-- |
| introduction to sociological theory: Suffering Iain Wilkinson, 2004-12-10 In Suffering Iain Wilkinson provides a compelling sociological exploration of human suffering, and its political and moral repercussions. Sociology is always concerned with the causes and consequences of human suffering in one form or another, yet there is no sociology of suffering per se. This book is written with the understanding that if sociology fails to attend to what suffering does to people then it is left with a severely diminished account of human experience. Wilkinson maintains that a sociological response to suffering must confront the most unsettling questions of meaning and morality. He argues that the apparent 'senselessness' of suffering has the power to transform dramatically the ways we relate to society and ourselves. The book explores some of the ways in which our sensitivity towards this 'problem of suffering' is related to a new 'politics of compassion' in modern societies. Powerful and timely, the book will have strong appeal to upper-level undergraduate students of sociology, anthropology, health, politics, and cultural studies, in addition to general readers concerned to understand one of the most pressing issues of our time. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Social Theory Now Claudio E. Benzecry, Monika Krause, Isaac Ariail Reed, 2017-08-14 The landscape of social theory has changed significantly over the three decades since the publication of Anthony Giddens and Jonathan Turner’s seminal Social Theory Today. Sociologists in the twenty-first century desperately need a new agenda centered around central questions of social theory. In Social Theory Now, Claudio E. Benzecry, Monika Krause, and Isaac Ariail Reed set a new course for sociologists, bringing together contributions from the most distinctive sociological traditions in an ambitious survey of where social theory is today and where it might be going. The book provides a strategic window onto social theory based on current research, examining trends in classical traditions and the cutting edge of more recent approaches. From distinctive theoretical positions, contributors address questions about how social order is accomplished; the role of materiality, practice, and meaning; as well as the conditions for the knowledge of the social world. The theoretical traditions presented include cultural sociology, microsociologies, world-system theory and post-colonial theory, gender and feminism, actor network and network theory, systems theory, field theory, rational choice, poststructuralism, pragmatism, and the sociology of conventions. Each chapter introduces a tradition and presents an agenda for further theoretical development. Social Theory Now is an essential tool for sociologists. It will be central to the discussion and teaching of contemporary social theory for years to come. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Social Theory Peter Kivisto, 2011 Featuring eighty-two seminal writings, Social Theory helps students draw connections across different schools of thought. Each reading is enhanced by a concise, thought-provoking introduction that highlights its key points and frames it in a larger context. These introductions serve as a useful 'road map' for students as they travel through the diverse views and continuing debates that make the study of social theory an exciting adventure. The introductions also explain core issues and relationships among the topics covered. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Introduction to Sociological Theory Michele Dillon, 2009-09-22 Combining carefully chosen primary quotes with extensive discussion and everyday illustrative examples, this book provides an in-depth introduction to classical and contemporary theory. Uses a wide range of newspaper examples to illustrate the relevance to sociological theory Contains excerpts from theorists’ primary texts Includes chapter-specific glossaries of all theoretical concepts discussed in the book Short biographies and historical timelines of significant events provide context to various theorists’ ideas Incorporates a range of pedagogical features Supporting website includes multiple choice and essay questions, PowerPoint slides, a quotation bank, and other background materials Visit www.wiley.com/go/dillon for additional student and instructor resources. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Decolonizing Sociology Ali Meghji, 2021-02-01 Sociology was institutionalized as a discipline at the height of global colonialism and imperialism. Over a century later, sociology is yet to shake off its commitment to a colonial logic. This book explores why, and how, sociology needs to be decolonized. It analyses how sociology was integral in reproducing the colonial order, as dominant sociologists constructed theories either assuming or proving the supposed barbarity and backwardness of colonized people. Ali Meghji reveals how colonialism continues to shape the discipline today, dominating both social theory and the practice of sociology, how exporting the Eurocentric sociological canon erased social theories from the Global South, and how sociologists continue to ignore the relevance of coloniality in their work. This critique and guide will be necessary reading for any student or proponent of sociology. In conversation with other decolonial advocates, Meghji provides key suggestions for what the sociological community can do to decolonize sociology going forward. Because, with curriculum reform and innovative teaching, it is possible to make sociology more equitable on a global scale. |
| introduction to sociological theory: Contemporary Sociological Theory: Expanding The Classical Tradition 6Th Ed. Wallace & Wolf, 2006 |
INTRODUCTION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of INTRODUCTION is something that introduces. How to use introduction in a sentence.
How to Write an Introduction, With Examples | Grammarly
Oct 20, 2022 · An introduction should include three things: a hook to interest the reader, some background on the topic so the reader can understand it, and a thesis statement that clearly …
INTRODUCTION | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
INTRODUCTION definition: 1. an occasion when something is put into use or brought to a place for the first time: 2. the act…. Learn more.
What Is an Introduction? Definition & 25+ Examples - Enlightio
Nov 5, 2023 · An introduction is the initial section of a piece of writing, speech, or presentation wherein the author presents the topic and purpose of the material. It serves as a gateway for …
Introduction - definition of introduction by The Free Dictionary
Something spoken, written, or otherwise presented in beginning or introducing something, especially: a. A preface, as to a book. b. Music A short preliminary passage in a larger …
INTRODUCTION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of INTRODUCTION is something that introduces. How to use introduction in a sentence.
How to Write an Introduction, With Examples | Grammarly
Oct 20, 2022 · An introduction should include three things: a hook to interest the reader, some background on the topic so the reader can understand it, and a thesis statement that clearly …
INTRODUCTION | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
INTRODUCTION definition: 1. an occasion when something is put into use or brought to a place for the first time: 2. the act…. Learn more.
What Is an Introduction? Definition & 25+ Examples - Enlightio
Nov 5, 2023 · An introduction is the initial section of a piece of writing, speech, or presentation wherein the author presents the topic and purpose of the material. It serves as a gateway for …
Introduction - definition of introduction by The Free Dictionary
Something spoken, written, or otherwise presented in beginning or introducing something, especially: a. A preface, as to a book. b. Music A short preliminary passage in a larger …
