Overview

Introducing the founders of sociological theory - from Marx, Weber, Durkheim and Martineau through to Simmel, DuBois, Mead and others - this accessible textbook locates each thinker within their own social, political and historical context. By doing so, it helps readers to understand the development of central sociological concepts and how they can help us understand the contemporary world. The book includes: Lively biographical sections to help readers get to know each thinker Clear and easy-to-understand accounts of each theorist's arguments - and the most common criticisms Key concept boxes highlighting the most influential ideas This comprehensive, enlightening text brings the rich and diverse field of classical sociological theory to life.

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9781529725711

Table of Contents

Reviews

Two seasoned and very well-established sociologists have written a book that offers a masterly survey of the major social theorist from Plato to such 20th century masters as Habermas, Luhmann and Foucault. Written in a clear and lively style, incorporating historical, political and social context as well as the main ideas of the theorists, this book proves itself a worthy successor to Lewis Coser's very successful Masters of Sociological Thought, whose inspiration it acknowledges. A boon to all students embarking on the study of classical and contemporary social thought. -- Krishan Kumar Malesevic and Loyal have given us the most comprehensive, accessible, international and up-to-date guide to sociological theory, ancient and modern: a magnificent achievement. -- Professor Emeritus Stephen Mennell I can enthusiastically recommend this thoughtful new survey of classical theorists. Many Western sociologists have argued for broadening the traditional Eurocentric masculine canon: Loyal and Male evic have actually acted on this. They have addressed those Ancient and Modern writers whose historical context led them to analyse in depth the nature of social reality. Here the great tradition is intriguingly extended - to Confucius, Aristotle and Ibn Khaldun, de Tocqueville, Harriet Martineau and W.E.B. Du Bois - their master ideas being conveyed succinctly, without once lapsing into vulgarisation. -- Bridget Fowler

I can enthusiastically recommend this thoughtful new survey of classical theorists. Many Western sociologists have argued for broadening the traditional Eurocentric masculine canon: Loyal and Male evic have actually acted on this. They have addressed those Ancient and Modern writers whose historical context led them to analyse in depth the nature of social reality. Here the great tradition is intriguingly extended - to Confucius, Aristotle and Ibn Khaldun, de Tocqueville, Harriet Martineau and W.E.B. Du Bois - their master ideas being conveyed succinctly, without once lapsing into vulgarisation. -- Bridget Fowler

Author Information

Steven Loyal is an Associate Professor in Sociology at University College Dublin Sinisa Malesevic is Professor and Head/Chair of UCD School of Sociology. Previously, he held research and teaching appointments at the Institute for International Relations (Zagreb), the Centre for the Study of Nationalism, CEU (Prague) and at the National University of Ireland, Galway. He also held visiting research fellowships at the London School of Economics and the Institute for Human Sciences (Vienna). He is also a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. Professor Malesevic is a comparative historical and political sociologist whose main research interests include the study of war and organized violence, ethnicity and nationalism, ideology, as well as sociological theory.  He has authored six books and has edited or co-edited another five volumes. He has also authored over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.

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