Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory: Seeing the Social World

Written in a praised conversational tone with personal examples and bolstered with helpful pedagogical tools, Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory: Seeing the Social World, Second Edition introduces readers to the major classical theorists: Marx, Spencer, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Mead, Schutz, Martineau Gilman, Du Bois, and Parsons. These theorists were chosen for diversity as well as utility in introducing students to contemporary theory. Author Kenneth Allan focuses on the specific views of each theorist, rather than schools of thought, and highlights modernity and postmodernity to help readers understand how classical sociological theory applies to their lives.

New and Proven Features

• An emphasis on teaching readers how to “think theoretically,” offering the context of modernity as a meaningful framework
• A focus on the particular perspective of each theorist with its nuances intact
• A categorical scheme that helps students situate the theorists, compare their work, and ponder for themselves some of sociology’s big questions
• Extensive use of original source material from theorists’ writings, displaying the power and poetry of theory
• “Definition,” “Big Idea,” and “Genesis of a Perspective” boxes throughout each chapter that discuss terms and concepts central to sociology
• A “Building Your Own Theory Toolbox” section at the end of each chapter to encourage further exploration

Other theory texts from Kenneth Allan

The Social Lens: An Invitation to Social and Sociologial Theory
Contemporary Social and Sociological Theory: Visualizing Social Worlds