Classical Sociological Theory

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Edited by Craig Calhoun, Joseph Gerteis, James Moody and Steven Pfaff

Blackwell Publishers

Due/Published March 2002, 480 pages, paper

ISBN 0631213481

This comprehensive collection of classical sociological theory is a guide to the roots of sociology. The volume begins with the precursors who developed the modern idea of society – Marx, Durkheim, and Weber --and continues with the early sociologists whose works were powerfully influential--Mead, Simmel, Freud, and Du Bois. The book concludes with the major works and theoretical perspectives of the mid-twentieth century, including those of Adorno, Marcuse, Parsons, and Merton.

As a whole, the Reader traces the evolution of social science from its undisciplined beginnings to current guideposts and reference points in contemporary sociological debate. Editorial introductions put the readings into historical and intellectual perspective, making this an authoritative and compact survey of the most representative works of classical social theory.

Contents (Main Sections)

Introduction.
Part I: The Sociological Theory of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
Part II: The Sociological Theory of Emile Durkheim.
Part III: The Sociological Theory of Max Weber.
Part IV: Self and Society in Sociological Theory.
Part V: Knowledge and Critical Theory.
Part VI: Structural-Functional Analysis