Always Learning
Introducing Sociological Theory

Introducing Sociological Theory

Darren O'Byrne

Jun 2011, Paperback, 272 pages
ISBN13: 9781408203880
ISBN10: 140820388X
For orders to USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan visit your local Pearson website
£22.99
Buy Introducing Sociological Theory

 
This title is also available in the following alternative formats:
CourseSmart eTextbook £13.99
  • Print pagePrint page
  • Email this pageEmail page
  • Write a reviewWrite a review
  • Share

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.

1 Introduction: the history of sociological theory

2 Functionalism

3 Conflict Theory

4 Marxism

5 Feminism

6 Exchange Theory

7 Interactionism

8 Ethnomethodology

9 Structuralism

10 Conclusion: The Present and Future of Sociological Theory

Glossary

Biographies

Bibliography

Index

· Covers 8 broad perspectives– Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Marxism, Feminism, Exchange Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Ethnomethodology, Structuralism.

· Recognisable examples provide footholds into each perspective, helping you navigate the key ideas.

· Concluding chapter examines the perspectives in relation to more recent developments, themes and debates - structure/agency, post-modernity and globalization.

· Includes clear explanations of key or difficult concepts, and discussions of leading contributors.

· End-of-chapter evaluations revisit core concepts and debates, highlight strengths, weaknesses and omissions for each perspective, and interrogate its use for understanding, interpreting or explaining the complexities of our world.

· Regular photos help bring to life the people and ideas; plentiful summarising tables map the ideas, aid revision and clarify

· Glossary and biographies lists provide a useful reference resource at the end of the book.

Darren O’Byrne is Principal Lecturer in Sociology and Human Rights at Roehampton University

Your opinions count

Be the first to review this product. Write your review now.