`This is an excellent introduction to classical social theory. For most students it is the only book on the subject that they will need. The expositions are clear and comprehensive, outlining with almost alarming clarity ideas with which many of us have to struggle′ - Alan Bryman, The Management Centre, University of Leicester This is a thoroughly revised, expanded version of the best selling student text in classical social theory. The book provides an authoritative, accessible undergraduate guide to the three pivotal figures in the classical tradition. Readable and stimulating, the book explains the key ideas of these thinkers and situates them in their historical and philosophical contexts. The student gains an immediate understanding of what is distinctive and relevant about these giants of sociology. The book includes a glossary with over 150 entries. For a decade, the book has been required reading on undergraduate degree programmes. This new edition, refines the material, extends the analysis and enhances our appreciation. It is a nugget in its field.

This study aims to provide students with an accessible guide to the key ideas of Marx, Durkheim and Weber, locating their writings in the appropriate historical context. It discusses the roots and contemporary relevance of the concepts and their relation t

List of Figures p. ix Part I 1 Introduction: Malthus's and Darwin's Precursor Theories p. 1 2 Durkheim's Core Sociological Theory: Sociocultural Self-Maintenance p. 25 Part II 3 Marx's Supplementary Theory: The Individual Human's Physical (and Psychical) Behaviors p. 69 4 Weber's Supplementary Theory: The Individual Human's Psychical (and Physical) Behaviors p. 97 5 The Supplemental Theories of Ibn Khaldun and Others: Geography and Technology p. 137 Part III 6 Summary and Conclusion p. 161 Appendix: Three Disagreements about Durkheim's Theory p. 177 Notes p. 187 References p. 219 More Detailed Table of Contents p. 241 Name Index p. 245.

This collection of essays focuses on Weber's political ideology as well as his political sociology. This interdisciplinary work draws upon the expertise of a number of writers and challenges major schools of thought on Weber. In the first section on ideology, scholars question whether Weber's political predictions were based on a realistic appraisal of social development or if his objectivity was compromised by events in Weimar Germany. They then address Weber's attitudes toward socialism in light of contemporary sociology and his early writings. Part two examines Weber's theory: the concept of rationalization; ideas about charisma; and the decline of charisma in light of the growing role of the media. A study of Weber's analysis of the 1917 events in Russia concludes the volume.

Nearly all of the major perspectives, focal points and debates in environmental sociology are reflected in this collection of essays. The volume exceeds the bounds of conventional theory by surveying societies and their natural biophysical environments.

Presenting an anthology of primary readings in sociological theory, this book covers the theorists and schools from classic to contemporary, modernist, and postmodernist, in a chronological organization. It is useful for professors who want to encourage students to read and interpret original sources.