Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory : Seeing the Social World

Written in a praised conversational tone with personal examples and bolstered with helpful pedagogical tools, Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory: Seeing the Social World 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.An emphasis on teaching readers how to ôthink theoretically,ö offering the context of modernity as a meaningful frameworkA focus on the particular perspective of each theorist with its nuances intactA categorical scheme that helps students situate the theorists, compare their work, and ponder for themselves some of sociologyÆs big questionsExtensive use of original source material from theoristsÆ writings, displaying the power and poetry of theoryôDefinition,ö ôBig Idea,ö and ôGenesis of a Perspectiveö boxes throughout each chapter that discuss terms and concepts central to sociologyA ôBuilding Your Own Theory Toolboxö section at the end of each chapter to encourage further exploration