Contemporary Sociological Theory

Contemporary Sociological Theory PDF Author: Doyle Paul Johnson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387765220
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 632

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Book Description
This volume is designed as a basic text for upper level and graduate courses in contemporary sociological theory. Most sociology programs require their majors to take at least one course in sociological theory, sometimes two. A typical breakdown is between classical and contemporary theory. Theory is perhaps one of the bro- est areas of sociological inquiry and serves as a foundation or framework for more specialized study in specific substantive areas of the field. In addition, the study of sociological theory can readily be related to various aspects of other social science disciplines as well. From the very beginning sociology has been characterized by alternative theoretical perspectives. Classical theory includes the European founding figures of the dis- pline whose works were produced during the later half of the nineteenth century and the first couple of decades of the twentieth century plus early American th- rists. For most of the second half of the twentieth century, a fairly high consensus has developed among American sociologists regarding these major founders, p- ticularly with regard to the works of Durkheim and Weber in analyzing the overall society and of Simmel in analyzing social interaction processes. Since the late 1960s and early 1970s the influence of Marx has also been recognized. Recent decades have also witnessed an increased emphasis on the important contributions of several pioneering feminist perspectives in the early years of sociology.

Contemporary Sociological Theory

Contemporary Sociological Theory PDF Author: Doyle Paul Johnson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387765220
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 632

Get Book Here

Book Description
This volume is designed as a basic text for upper level and graduate courses in contemporary sociological theory. Most sociology programs require their majors to take at least one course in sociological theory, sometimes two. A typical breakdown is between classical and contemporary theory. Theory is perhaps one of the bro- est areas of sociological inquiry and serves as a foundation or framework for more specialized study in specific substantive areas of the field. In addition, the study of sociological theory can readily be related to various aspects of other social science disciplines as well. From the very beginning sociology has been characterized by alternative theoretical perspectives. Classical theory includes the European founding figures of the dis- pline whose works were produced during the later half of the nineteenth century and the first couple of decades of the twentieth century plus early American th- rists. For most of the second half of the twentieth century, a fairly high consensus has developed among American sociologists regarding these major founders, p- ticularly with regard to the works of Durkheim and Weber in analyzing the overall society and of Simmel in analyzing social interaction processes. Since the late 1960s and early 1970s the influence of Marx has also been recognized. Recent decades have also witnessed an increased emphasis on the important contributions of several pioneering feminist perspectives in the early years of sociology.

Violence

Violence PDF Author: Randall Collins
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 140083175X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 580

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Book Description
In the popular misconception fostered by blockbuster action movies and best-selling thrillers--not to mention conventional explanations by social scientists--violence is easy under certain conditions, like poverty, racial or ideological hatreds, or family pathologies. Randall Collins challenges this view in Violence, arguing that violent confrontation goes against human physiological hardwiring. It is the exception, not the rule--regardless of the underlying conditions or motivations. Collins gives a comprehensive explanation of violence and its dynamics, drawing upon video footage, cutting-edge forensics, and ethnography to examine violent situations up close as they actually happen--and his conclusions will surprise you. Violence comes neither easily nor automatically. Antagonists are by nature tense and fearful, and their confrontational anxieties put up a powerful emotional barrier against violence. Collins guides readers into the very real and disturbing worlds of human discord--from domestic abuse and schoolyard bullying to muggings, violent sports, and armed conflicts. He reveals how the fog of war pervades all violent encounters, limiting people mostly to bluster and bluff, and making violence, when it does occur, largely incompetent, often injuring someone other than its intended target. Collins shows how violence can be triggered only when pathways around this emotional barrier are presented. He explains why violence typically comes in the form of atrocities against the weak, ritualized exhibitions before audiences, or clandestine acts of terrorism and murder--and why a small number of individuals are competent at violence. Violence overturns standard views about the root causes of violence and offers solutions for confronting it in the future.

Perspectives on Sociological Theory: Macro-sociological theory

Perspectives on Sociological Theory: Macro-sociological theory PDF Author: Shmuel Noah Eisenstadt
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Sociology
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description


Macrosociology

Macrosociology PDF Author: Frank W. Elwell
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317256506
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 192

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Book Description
Social theorists dwell on the canonical works of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim but little on the theories of the major contemporary macrotheorists. This book fills this gap with a focus on the work of four modern theorists who have taken on the larger questions spawned by classical social theory. C. Wright Mills, Marvin Harris, Immanuel Wallerstein, and Gerhard Lenski have examined such phenomena and processes as the rise and impact of capitalism; the centralization and enlargement of authority; inequality; and the historical intensification of production and populations. Borrowing what is useful from the classics as well as relying on contemporary practitioners and empirical evidence, each theorist adds his own insights and interpretations in constructing a comprehensive perspective of sociocultural stability and change. This book fully synthesizes and documents each perspective, using language and examples that resonate with the general reader. A short biography on each theorist is also provided.

Theoretical Sociology

Theoretical Sociology PDF Author: Jonathan H. Turner
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1483310825
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 289

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Book Description
What can sociological theory tell us about the basic forces that shape our world? With clarity and authority, Theoretical Sociology: A Concise Introduction to Twelve Sociological Theories, by leading theorist Jonathan H. Turner, seeks to answer this question through a brief, yet in-depth examination of twelve major sociological theories. Readers are given an opportunity to explore the foundational premise of each theory and key elements that make it distinctive. The book draws on biographical background, analysis of important works, historical influences, and other critical insights to help readers make the important connections between these monumental sociological theories and the social world in which we live. This concise resource is a perfect complement to any course that seeks to examine both classic and contemporary sociological theory.

Sociological Theory and the Environment

Sociological Theory and the Environment PDF Author: Riley E. Dunlap
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 9780742501867
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 374

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Book Description
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.

Core Concepts in Sociology

Core Concepts in Sociology PDF Author: J. Michael Ryan
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119168635
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 439

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Book Description
An essential guide to the basic concepts that comprise the study of sociology with contributions from an international range of leading experts Core Concepts in Sociology is a comprehensive guide to the essential concepts relevant to the current study of the discipline and wider social science. The contributing authors cover a wide range of concepts that remain at the heart of sociology including those from its academic founding and others much more recent in their development. The text contains contributions from an international panel of leading figures in the field, utilizing their expertise on core concepts and presenting an accessible introduction for students. Drawing on the widest range of ideas, research, current literature and expert assessment, Core Concepts in Sociology contains over 90 concepts that represent the discipline. Coverage includes concepts ranging from aging to capitalism, democracy to economic sociology, epistemology to everyday life, media to risk, stigma and much more. This vital resource: Sets out the concepts that underpin the study of sociology and wider social science Contains contributions from an international panel of leading figures in the field Includes a comprehensive review of the basic concepts that comprise the foundation and essential development of the discipline Designed as a concise and accessible resource Written for students, researchers and wider professionals with an interest in the field of sociology, Core Concepts in Sociology offers a concise, affordable and accessible resource for studying the underpinnings of sociology and social science.

Four Sociological Traditions

Four Sociological Traditions PDF Author: Randall Collins
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 9780195087024
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 357

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Book Description
This concise, engaging anthology contains the most significant and representative selections from the four major schools of sociological thought. The intellectual highlights of each school are presented, and readings range from the classics to the contemporary. Brief introductions and commentary guide the student to the key contributions in each selection. Designed to accompany Four Sociological Traditions, this anthology is entirely self-contained and may also be used separately.

The Micro-macro Link

The Micro-macro Link PDF Author: Jeffrey C. Alexander
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520057869
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 420

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Book Description
The work of fifteen nationally and internationally known theorists in sociology, this volume demonstrates an exciting new trend in sociological thinking. Each essay proposes a link between the two distinguishable traditions of sociological theory--the microscopic, which stresses the self and the interaction among persons, and the macroscopic, which concentrates on the institutional, cultural, and societal levels. Each mode of analysis has had its champions, and the proponents of each have often taken positions of polemic opposition to one another.

Human Behavior in the Social Environment

Human Behavior in the Social Environment PDF Author: Rudolph Alexander
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1412950805
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 433

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Book Description
Human Behavior and the Social Environment: A Macro, National, and International Perspective is a textbook for one of the primary courses in the social work curriculum titled Human Behavior in the Social Environment. The course is offered usually over two semesters, with one focusing on micro issues (how the individual develops in relation to their social enviroment on an individual, family, and group level). The second section of the course typically focuses on macro issues pertaining to how an individual is shaped by their social environment by macro issues including social institutions, community, and the government. This book is intended for the second sequence of the course. It takes a unique approach by incorporating international issues of globalization, which has been an emerging issue in social work. Although it takes this unique perspective, it still covers the basics of macro social work on a national level. Other important areas that are not well represented in competing texts includes coverage of rural issues, the impact of hurricane Katrina on social and community resources, human rights and social justice, the increasing impact of increasing rates of incarceration, and a special section focusing on crisis theory. This book has a number of key selling points. They include: A broad national and international perspective A timely approach that examines issues such as rural communities, the impact of disaster on communities, and increasing incarceration rates Provides special emphasis on human needs and social justice End of chapter discussion questions A student glossary Chapter opening photos An appendix that includes three additonal higher level macro theories which would make the book applicable to Master's level program This book will also contain a number of features that are essential for any book to be adopted in a HBSE course. They include: End of chapter discussion questions Instructor's manual featuring powerpoint slides and a test bank Student study site for recommended reading, chapter summaries, and flash cards