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The Sociological Predicament: Academia and the Contradictions of Working Class Consciousness
by Alexander ThomasA sociological phenomenon afflicts sociology itself: academics think of themselves as the vanguard of the working class despite the fact that they are not working class, as the noble willingness to side with the oppressed contrasts scholars’ reliance on authority to bolster their politics.While there are no simple solutions to this contradiction, a necessary beginning is for sociologists (and other academics) to acknowledge the reality of their own class privilege as members of the professional-managerial class. The Sociological Predicament is then a conscious and deliberate work of professional self-loathing that traces the evolution of ideologies found in academia from the mid-twentieth century to today, which demonstrates the ways in which biases around class have given short shrift to the concerns of working class Americans in deindustrialized cities and towns that have ultimately turned away from and then against them.Intellectuals have not historically been on the side of the oppressed but have been instrumental in developing ideologies that sustain the status quo, and this book crucially asks whether academics’ presence on the left ultimately serves conservative ends.
The Sociological Quest: An Introduction to the Study of Social Life
by Haydn Aarons Evan WillisStarting Sociology can be daunting. This user-friendly introduction takes the reader on a quest towards a sociological understanding of the world we live in. Using contemporary examples, The Sociological Quest asks what is distinctive about the way Sociologists view society. Haydn Aarons and Evan Willis show that they are concerned with the relationships between the individual and society, and that a sociological analysis involves an approach which is historical, cultural, structural, and critical. This sixth edition has been thoroughly revised and updated and includes new material on identities, social change, social movements, populism, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, digital interaction, and social media. Also included in the sixth edition is an expanded chapter on empirical research in Sociology and the research process, as well as a new chapter on careers in Sociology.
The Sociological Quest: An introduction to the study of social life
by Evan WillisWhat is sociology? How do you 'do' sociology?Starting sociology can be daunting. This bestselling short introduction takes the reader on a quest towards a sociological understanding of the world we live in. Using contemporary examples, The Sociological Quest asks what is distinctive about the way sociologists view society. Evan Willis shows that they are concerned with the relationship between the individual and society, and that a sociological analysis involves an approach which is historical, cultural, structural and critical.This fifth edition has been thoroughly revised and incorporates new examples on technology, terrorism, climate change and consumer behaviour. It remains essential preliminary reading for new students of sociology.
Sociological Readings and Re-readings (Routledge Revivals #Vol. 4)
by Paul AtkinsonPublished in 1996, this book comprises a number of essays by Paul Atkinson in which he reflects on processes of reading and writing in the social sciences. Topics covered include: ethnographers’ ‘confessions’, an analysis of the style of Erving Goffman, a reflection of his own experiences of re-reading work, and a discussion of the challenges of reading an alien discipline. This book was originally published as part of the Cardiff Papers in Qualitative Research series edited by Paul Atkinson, Sara Delamont and Amanda Coffey. The series publishes original sociological research that reflects the tradition of qualitative and ethnographic inquiry developed at Cardiff. The series includes monographs reporting on empirical research, edited collections focussing on particular themes, and texts discussing methodological developments and issues.
Sociological Realism (Ontological Explorations Ser.)
by Andrea M. Maccarini Emmanuele Morandi Riccardo PrandiniSociological Realism presents a clear and updated discussion of the main tenets and issues of social theory, written by some of the top scholars within the critical realist and relational approach. It connects such approaches systematically to other strands of thought that are central in contemporary sociology, like systems theory and rational choice theory. Divided into three parts, social ontology, sociological theory, and methodology, each part includes a systematic presentation, a comment, and a wider discussion by the editors, thereby taking on the form of a dialogue among experts. This book is a uniquely blended and consistent conversation showing the convergence of European social theory on a critical realist and relational way of thinking. This volume is extremely important both for teaching purposes and for all those scholars who wish to get a fresh perspective on some deep dynamics of contemporary sociology.
Sociological Research Exercises for the Global Age
by Joann A. ChiricoWithin the pages of this manual, students become personally involved in research as they learn important analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills, and develop the ability to interpret the contemporary global situation and its impact on their lives. Linking fundamental concepts of sociology with everyday activities, the exercises in each chapter lead students through an array of qualitative and quantitative methods as they test and apply theories. Students experience research as a process of asking questions, defining terms clearly, seeking patterns, and reaching conclusions based on their findings, while avoiding bias.Short essays describing current perspectives on globalization accompany the exercises, addressing political, cultural, social, economic, technological, and religious dimensions. Key Features25 research exercises may be completed by students in class or independently, providing flexibility for the instructor. Exercises are ready to be assigned as they appear in the text, with convenient tear-out pages.Students investigate intriguing topics such as "Global Ethics," "Violating Folkways," "Bowling Alone," and "McDonald's Versus Jihad."A variety of research methods are featured: interviews, experiments, functional analysis, content analysis, and more.Extensive follow-up "Discussion" sections help students maximize their understanding.Surveys and qualitative exercises adapted from larger studies allow students to compare their results with national and global patterns of results, which they may explore further through the Web links provided.Intended Audience: This interactive manual follows the format of standard introductory sociology texts, making it an engaging and easy fit for Introductory Sociology or Principles of Sociology courses.
Sociological Research Methods: An Introduction
by Martin BulmerA rich source of ideas about sociological research methods to assist the researcher in determining what method will provide the most reliable and useful knowledge, how to choose between different methodologies, and what constitutes the most fruitful relationship between sociological theories and research methods.
The Sociological Revolution: From the Enlightenment to the Global Age
by Richard KilminsterBy controversially turning away from the current debates which surround social theory, this book provides an historical analysis of the profound burden of sociology and its implications today.
Sociological Social Work
by Priscilla Dunk-West Fiona VeritySociological social work is a lifelong social work practice which is animated by a sociological perspective. Social workers 'shorthand' orientations such as 'strengths perspective', 'task centred' or 'humanistic' (to name but a few), as a way to identify their philosophical and theoretical approaches in professional life. Whilst some texts have examined sociology for social work, this text instead proposes that sociological social work is a legitimate and theoretically rich orientation, and this book demonstrates what sociological social work looks like in our rapidly changing world. This text will equip students and practitioners with a way to think sociologically, not just while they are studying, but as an ever present reference for making sense of social work purpose and how this is realised in a transforming world. This follows an established tradition in social work literature, but this book elevates and names the importance of this approach, which we argue is critically needed if social work is to achieve its agenda in transformative social, political economic and environmental contexts. The current landscape in which we live is one that is characterised by rapid changes which have implications for the life experiences of those with whom social workers work, social justice advocacy agendas, and for fulfilling the purpose of social work more generally. This book is essential reading for those looking to keep up with these changes.
The Sociological Study of Religion (Routledge Revivals)
by Betty R. ScharfFirst published in 1970, The Sociological Study of Religion distinguishes the sociological from the philosophical or theological approach to religion. It reviews the major theories relating to religious practice to social structure and analyzes the social functions of religion. The contributions of Durkheim, Marx, Freud, Troeltsch and Weber are examined from this point of view, also the contribution of social anthropology, and the studies of religion in industrial societies. This book is a must read for students of sociology and religion.
A Sociological Study on Emotion Regulation in People Living with HIV/AIDS in China (A\sociological View Of Aids Ser.)
by Rongting HouThis book explores the experiences and emotional expression of 30 people Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) using qualitative research methods such as “illness narratives,” and analyzes the dilemmas of “sicknesses of the society” including “Acquired Needs Deficiency” Syndrome, “Acquired Expectation Insufficiency” Syndrome, and “Acquired Punishment” Syndrome at the micro, meso and macro levels, so as to investigate higher-intensity negative emotions.In turn, the book draws on the perspectives of conflict and game, structure and function, and system and interaction, in order to propose a dynamic mechanism of emotion and expression, and argues that these negative emotions can be transformed, strengthened and presented through defense mechanisms such as suppression and attribution, which will influence social institutions at the micro, meso and macro levels and even possibly bring about positive changes in the social structure.
Sociological Theories of Health and Illness
by William C CockerhamSociological Theories of Health and Illness reviews the evolution of theory in medical sociology beginning with the field’s origins in medicine and extending to its present-day standing as a major sociological subdiscipline. Sociological theory has an especially important role in the practice of medical sociology because its theories distinguish the subdiscipline from virtually all other scientific fields engaged in the study of health and illness. The focus is on contemporary theory because it applies to contemporary conditions; however, since theory in sociology is often grounded in historical precedents and classical foundations, this material is likewise included as it relates to medical sociology today. This book focuses on the most commonly used sociological theories in the study of health and illness, illustrating their utility in current examples of empirical research on a wide range of topics. The qualitative or quantitative research methods applicable to specific theories are also covered. Distinctions between macro and micro-level levels of analysis and the relevance of the agency-structure dichotomy inherent in all theories in sociology are discussed. Beginning with classical theory (Durkheim, Weber, and Marx) and the neglected founders (Gilman, Martineau, and DuBois), along with symbolic interaction (Mead, Strauss) and labeling theory (Becker), and poststructuralism and postmodernism (Foucault), coverage is extended to contemporary medical sociology. Discussion of the stress process model (Pearlin) is followed by the social construction of gender and race and intersectionality theory (Collins), health lifestyle theory (Cockerham), life course theory (Elder), fundamental cause theory (Link and Phelan), and theories of the medical profession (Freidson), medicalization and biomedicalization (Conrad, Clarke), and social capital (Bourdieu, Putnam, and Lin).
Sociological Theory
by Dr Bert N. Adams Professor R. A. SydieThis concise text, covers both classical and contemporary social thought. It traces the major schools of thought over the past 150 years as they appear and reappear in different chapters and looks at important new voices in social theory. The treatment of individual theories and theorists is balanced with the development of key themes and ideas about social life.
Sociological Theory: Pretence and Possibility (Routledge Revivals)
by Keith DixonFirst published in 1973, this book is concerned with the question of whether Sociology is, or ought to be, a theoretical science. Keith Dixon argues that the pretence to the theoretical is a hindrance to the development of the field of Sociology, which devalues significant empirical work by giving status to research findings only in so far as they relate to often arbitrary theoretical concerns. Dixon addresses the historical dimension in the explanation of human nature and rational action. This reissue will be of particular value to students and academics with an interest in the empirical and theoretical methodology applied to Sociological research.
Sociological Theory: Pretence and Possibility (Routledge Library Editions: Social Theory Ser.)
by Keith DixonMost professional sociologists claim that sociology is, or ought to be, a theoretical science. Keith Dixon argues here that this claim is formulated in such a way that a proper evaluation of its status is extremely difficult, and that the contingent objections to the possibility of sociological theorizing are sufficiently strong for such activity to be labelled as pretence. He believes that pretence to the theoretical is a hindrance to the development of sociology proper. It devalues significant empirical work by giving status to research findings only in so far as they relate to often arbitrarily conceived 'theoretical' concerns; it leads to a systematic neglect of the historical dimension in the explanation of human behaviour; and it sets up ideals of explanation whose pursuit leads to sterility, frustration and even intellectual corruption. Keith Dixon emphasizes, however, that in attacking the contingent possibility of theory, he does not mean to devalue empirical expertise, analytic skill or the exercise of disciplined speculative intelligence. The argument of his book is that intelligence can only flourish when released from the constraints of attempting to justify the unjustifiable.
Sociological Theory: Diagnosis and Remedies
by Nicos MouzelisSocial theory is open to many passing currents. Claims to originality tend to thrive and past achievements are often ignored. In Sociologiocal Theory: What Went Wrong? Mouzelis claims that "problems" currently being isolated are not really problems, and that "achievements" claimed are little more than pretensions. He argues that we have been premature to dismiss thinkers from the late 1950s and early 1960s and that we can build on their ideas to produce a more effective, more relevant social theory. Written with precision and with clarity, Sociological Theory: What Went Wrong? is a compelling analysis of the central problems of sociological theory today and of the means to resolve them.
Sociological Theory: From Comte to Postcolonialism
by Alessandro OrsiniThis textbook analyses the work of classical and contemporary sociological theorists. The first part is dedicated to Comte, Spencer, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Pareto, and Simmel. The second part covers the major contemporary sociological perspectives: Functionalism, Marxism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Phenomenological Sociology, and Rational Choice Theory. The third part is devoted to Postmodern Theory, Feminist Theory, Postcolonial Theory, and Race Theory. The author combines academic rigour with clear and accessible language, offering students an in-depth and extensive overview of the main, recurring problems that have troubled sociological theory from its origins to the present day. The textbook uses contemporary examples, analysing how sociological theory can explain the most tragic phenomena of our time, including the war in Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, US-China competition over Taiwan, nuclear proliferation, radicalization, neofascism, white suprematism, jihadism, and terrorism. With pedagogic features aiding learning, this book helps navigate the various approaches, methods, and research that divide sociologists into distinct schools. This textbook is therefore an invaluable tool to any sociology student looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundational thinkers that have shaped the discipline.
Sociological Theory
by Dr George Ritzer Mr Jeffrey N. StepniskyNow with SAGE Publishing, and co-authored by one of the foremost authorities on sociological theory, the Tenth Edition of Sociological Theory by George Ritzer and Jeffrey Stepnisky gives readers a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought, from sociology's origins through the early 21st century. Key theories are integrated with biographical sketches of theorists, and are placed in their historical and intellectual context. This text helps students better understand the original works of classical and modern theorists, and enables them to compare and contrast the latest substantive concepts. New to this Edition Chapter 1 now includes a discussion of colonialism as one of the forces that shaped modern society. The “Historical Sketch” chapters contain new material on the historical significance of early women founders, and on the contributions of W.E.B. Du Bois. Chapters on Marx, Durkheim, Weber, and Simmel now conclude with sections on contemporary applications of ideas from these 19th century thinkers. A new chapter focuses theories of race, racism, and colonialism, as well as theories about indigenous peoples and theories from the “Global South” that challenge the work of scholars from Europe and North America. The concluding chapter has a new section on theories of prosumption, one of the newest developments in consumer theory. New material on colonization, women classical theorists, and race theory, as well as new timelines, added to history chapters.
Sociological Theory: Classical Statements
by Dr George Ritzer Mr Jeffrey N. StepniskyNow with SAGE Publishing, and co-authored by one of the foremost authorities on sociological theory, the Tenth Edition of Sociological Theory by George Ritzer and Jeffrey Stepnisky gives readers a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought, from sociology's origins through the early 21st century. Key theories are integrated with biographical sketches of theorists, and are placed in their historical and intellectual context. This text helps students better understand the original works of classical and modern theorists, and enables them to compare and contrast the latest substantive concepts. New to this Edition Chapter 1 now includes a discussion of colonialism as one of the forces that shaped modern society. The “Historical Sketch” chapters contain new material on the historical significance of early women founders, and on the contributions of W.E.B. Du Bois. Chapters on Marx, Durkheim, Weber, and Simmel now conclude with sections on contemporary applications of ideas from these 19th century thinkers. A new chapter focuses theories of race, racism, and colonialism, as well as theories about indigenous peoples and theories from the “Global South” that challenge the work of scholars from Europe and North America. The concluding chapter has a new section on theories of prosumption, one of the newest developments in consumer theory. New material on colonization, women classical theorists, and race theory, as well as new timelines, added to history chapters.
Sociological Theory
by George Ritzer Jeffrey N. StepniskyThe authors are proud sponsors of the SAGE Keith Roberts Teaching Innovations Award—enabling graduate students and early career faculty to attend the annual ASA pre-conference teaching and learning workshop. Sociological Theory gives readers a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought, from sociology′s 19th century origins through the early 21st century. Written by an author team that includes one of the leading contemporary thinkers, the text integrates key theories with biographical sketches of theorists, placing them in historical and intellectual context. The Eleventh Edition includes examples of premodern sociological theory from Islamic scholar Ibn Khaldun, Harriet Martineau’s feminist writings contextualized within the history of sociological thought, discussions of actor-network theory through Donna Haraway’s work on cyborgs and companion species, illustrations of historical comparative sociology with Saskia Sassen’s concepts of the global city and expulsions, and more ways to help students to understand sociology’s major theories. Included with this title: The password-protected Instructor Resource Site (formally known as SAGE Edge) offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides. Learn more.
Sociological Theory
by George Ritzer Jeffrey N. StepniskyThe authors are proud sponsors of the SAGE Keith Roberts Teaching Innovations Award—enabling graduate students and early career faculty to attend the annual ASA pre-conference teaching and learning workshop. Sociological Theory gives readers a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought, from sociology′s 19th century origins through the early 21st century. Written by an author team that includes one of the leading contemporary thinkers, the text integrates key theories with biographical sketches of theorists, placing them in historical and intellectual context. The Eleventh Edition includes examples of premodern sociological theory from Islamic scholar Ibn Khaldun, Harriet Martineau’s feminist writings contextualized within the history of sociological thought, discussions of actor-network theory through Donna Haraway’s work on cyborgs and companion species, illustrations of historical comparative sociology with Saskia Sassen’s concepts of the global city and expulsions, and more ways to help students to understand sociology’s major theories. Included with this title: The password-protected Instructor Resource Site (formally known as SAGE Edge) offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides. Learn more.
Sociological Theory
by Walter WallaceIn this fundamental contribution to the study and application of sociological theory, Wallace examines a wide range of theories within a framework that clarifies their interrelationships and illustrates their implications for empirical research. Wallace is able to point out the symbiotic relationships among these theories which, at first, may appear to be in direct opposition--or at least discord.Sociological Theory begins with an original essay by the editor that introduces the reader to eleven general theoretical viewpoints. He calls these ecologism, demographism, materialism, psychologism, technologism, functional structuralism, exchange structuralism, conflict structuralism, symbolic interactionism, social actionism, and functional imperativism. To do this, Wallace assembles selected readings by major theorists that provide detailed examples of each of the theoretical viewpoints discussed. The selections are keyed to the framework developed in the Introduction, so as to enable the reader to work back and forth between the general and the particular statements. Offering far more than a mere survey or an abstract critical analysis, In this way, Sociological Theory provides a learning matrix that facilitates comprehension and enables the reader systematically to expand his knowledge of sociological theory.In developing his analytical framework, Wallace points out how these different types of theory complement rather than conflict with one another. Through this approach, he is able to show the distinctive level and scope of analysis of each theory to demonstrate why the sociologist must draw upon and integrate several viewpoints for interpreting research results and formulating hypotheses. A useful guide and reference work for researchers and teachers, the book is an excellent basic or supplementary text for all theory courses. As Robert K. Merton noted at the time of the original publication, "Sociological Theory is a bea
Sociological Theory (8th Edition)
by George RitzerThis text gives readers a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought. The integration of key theories with biographical sketches of theorists and the requisite historical and intellectual context helps students to better understand the original works of classical and modern theorists as well as to compare and contrast the latest substantive theories.
Sociological Theory and Medical Sociology (Routledge Library Editions: Health, Disease and Society #22)
by Graham ScamblerOriginally published in 1987, this book builds bridges between medical sociology and mainstream theory. It does so by demonstrating in new and important ways how selected theories of major thinkers like Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Freud, Parsons, Goffman, Foucault, Habermas and Offe stand to inform, and in turn be informed by the often highly focused and empirical studies of health, disease and health care found in contemporary medical sociology. The topics covered include doctor-patient interaction and the formation of health policy.
Sociological Theory and the Capability Approach (International Library of Sociology)
by Spiros GangasSociological Theory and the Capability Approach connects normative strands of sociological theory to the fusion of ethics and economics proposed by Amartya Sen’s and Martha Nussbaum’s capability approach. Spanning classical (Hegel, Marx, Durkheim, Scheler, Weber) and contemporary debates (Parsons, Giddens, Luhmann) it identifies areas that bridge the current gap between sociology and capability approach. It thus builds on explanatory and normative concerns shared by both traditions. Engaging readers from sociology and capability approach, Spiros Gangas suggests that the proposed dialogue should be layered along the main areas of value theory, economy and society, extending this inquiry into the normative meaning attached to being human. To this end, the book reconstructs the notion of agency along the tracks of Nussbaum’s central human capabilities, considering also alienation and the sociology of emotions. It concludes by addressing the capability approach through the lens of social institutions before it takes up the challenge of ideological fundamentalism and how it can be effectively confronted by capability approach. This original book provides a fresh perspective on capability approach as it embeds it in the rich pool of sociological theory’s accomplishments. As an exercise in theoretical and normative convergence, it will be required reading for academics and students in social theory, cultural theory, philosophy and human development studies.