Theoretical Sociology
1830 to the Present
- Jonathan H. Turner - University of California, Riverside, USA
Social Theory
Part 1 is composed of detailed analyses of the theories of the classical tradition, including the works of August Comte, Herbert Spencer, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Georg Simmel, Emile Durkheim, and George Herbert Mead. Their theories are examined in detail and depth. As a result, the reader gets much more than a surface primer on the classical tradition; rather, analysis of each theorist in the classical tradition is comprehensive and deep, giving a reader a true understanding of the power of the ideas developed by theorists of the classical era. Part 1 closes with a long chapter summarizing how each of the key figures in sociology's early pantheon influenced the development of contemporary theory, examined in Part 2.
Part 2 of the book examines all of the principle theoretical traditions in sociology during the modern era. Each chapter is long because both the diversity and depth of work in each theoretical approach is examined, including the functional, general systems, ecological, evolutionary, conflict, exchange, symbolic interactionist, role and status, dramaturgical, phenomenological, structuralist, cultural, postmodern, European-critical, and American-style critical theories.
Part 3 reviews the state of sociological theory today. First, the elements that make theory scientific are outlined. And then, Turner explores how to overcome roadblocks that have prevented sociological theories from realizing their full explanatory power. Coverage spans both classical and contemporary theoretical sociology, with an eye to giving readers complete coverage of theoretical sociology.
This one book is resource for both the classical and contemporary courses, thus providing a unified book for readers in a wide variety of theory courses.
An outstanding resource in every respect, covering all aspects of Sociological theory. The text has significant coverage, exploring all major contemporary and classical sociological theories.
The text comprehensive, and relatively easy to understand, perfect for students requiring in-depth understanding of key sociological theories.
The text is ideal for undergraduate students or above. At further education level, it is suitable as a reference text for the most able and talented.
Overall, an essential text for courses of any level, exploring detailed aspects of sociological theory.
Found this text extremely useful in preparation for sessions for me lectures. The text gives an excellent overview to classical theorist in sociology.
This is an excellent volume, which I will encourage students to access when thinking about specific theoretical concepts or key thinkers. However, given the structure of the module, it could not be adopted as a core text.
The content of this book is consistent with the course outline. Discourses are objective and relevant/adoptable.
This is a remarkable book, it gives depth and clarity across the sociological theory range in Turner’s inimitable post-positive style (that declaration puts people off but…) that attempts to make analytic models and present modern propositions from classical, modern and contemporary social theory; with I have to say some considerable skill.
The coverage is very, no… very very good, the depth is ‘postgraduate’ and it is rather accessible if you have undergraduate sociology knowledge.
This is a must for postgraduate sociology; taking historical narrative in sociology to a post-positivist and pragmatist dimension that offers propositions that are applicable to research from long dead sociologists and situates them in modern and up to date sociological theory.
Really good stuff if you warm to Turner’s analytic style…. I do.
This is an excellent book which outlines all ther major sociological theories and provides a solid foundation for further reading
This book provides a great depth of insight into a comprehensive variety of sociological theory. The layout lends itself to an easy reference book for dipping into when in search of clear understanding of otherwise complex issues - all be it at a slightly higher readership level then I had expected. I feel that this text is more suited to level 4 or 5 study as opposed to the level 3 course I had in mind.
A vital text to any teaching of sociological theory. Good for both tutors and students and already being used in 1st year teaching and from September, 2nd level too. Both readable and enjoyable.
This book is clearly organised and provides a relevant insight into some of the fundamentals of Sociological theory.
I decided to go with the Applerouth and Edles text.
