MODERN SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

This new edition of Modern Sociological Theory, like its six predecessors, offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary theories and theorists. As in earlier editions, in-depth discussions of theories are accompanied by informative and engaging biographical sketches of many of the most important thinkers in contemporary theory. Once again, two introductory chapters survey the early history of the field (Chapter 1) and recent developments (Chapter 2).

These chapters provide an overview that allows students to put the work of each theorist in its historical, social, and political context.

In one convenient volume, this book offers students a handy overview of much of what they need to know about contemporary sociological theory and the context in which it arose. The social world is a complex and difficult subject, and so are many of the theories about it. I have striven to make theory interesting, relevant, and as clear and accessible as possible.
Contents
PART I Introduction to Sociological Theory
1 A Historical Sketch of Sociological Theory: The Early Years
2 A Historical Sketch of Sociological Theory: The Later Years
PART II Modern Sociologial Theory: The Major Schools
3 Structural Functionalism, Neofunctionalism, and Conflict Theory
4 Varieties of Neo-Marxian Theory
5 Systems Theory
6 Symbolic Interactionism
7 Ethnomethodology
8 Exchange, Network, and Rational Choice Theories
9 Modern Feminist Theory
PART III Recent Integrative Developments in Sociological Theory
10 Micro-Macro and Agency-Structure Integration
PART IV From Modern to Postmodern Social Theory (and Beyond)
11 Contemporary Theories of Modernity
12 Globalization Theory
13 Structuralism, Poststructuralism, and Postmodern Social Theory
14 Cutting-Edge Developments in Contemporary Theory