Classical Sociological Theory: (Blackwell Readers in Sociology)

This comprehensive collection of classical sociological theory is a definitive guide to the roots of sociology. The volume begins with the precursors who developed the modern idea of society - Marx, Durkheim, and Weber - and continues with the early sociologists whose works were powerfully influential - Mead, Simmel, Freud, and Du Bois. The book concludes with the major works and theoretical perspectives of the mid-twentieth century, including those of Adorno, Marcuse, Parsons, and Merton.As a whole, the Reader traces the evolution of social science from its undisciplined beginnings to current guideposts and reference points in contemporary sociological debate. Editorial introductions put the readings into historical and intellectual perspective, making this an authoritative and compact survey of the most representative works of classical social theory. Classical Sociological Theory, in conjunction with its complement, Contemporary Sociological Theory, offers readers a complete overview of sociological theory.

Table of Contents:
Contributors. Acknowledgments. Introduction.Part I: The Sociological Theory of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels:.Introduction.1. Alienation and Historical Materialism.Contribution to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Law: Karl Marx.Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844: Karl Marx.2. Capitalism and Commodities.Commodities: Karl Marx.The General Formula for Capital: Karl Marx.Division of Labour and Manufacture: Karl Marx.The So-Called Primitive Accumulation: Karl Marx.Classes: Karl Marx.3. History and Class Struggle.Manifesto of the Communist Party: Karl Marx and Frederick Engels.The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte: Karl Marx.Part II: The Sociological Theory of Emile Durkheim:Introduction.1. Society and Social Facts.Rules of Sociological Method: Emile Durkheim.2. Solidarity and Modern Life.The Division of Labor in Society: Emile Durkheim. 3. Origins of Collective Conscience.The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life: Emile Durkheim. Part III: The Sociological Theory of Max Weber:Introduction.1. Method of Social Science."Objectivity" in Social Science: Max Weber. Basic Sociological Terms: Max Weber. 2. Religion and Rationality.The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism: Max Weber. 3. Bureaucracy and Politics.The Distribution of Power Within the Political Community: Class, Status, Party: Max Weber. The Types of Legitimate Domination: Max Weber. Bureaucracy: Max Weber. Part IV: Self and Society in Sociological Theory:Introduction.1. George Herbert Mead.The Self: George Herbert Mead. 2. Georg Simmel.The Stranger: Georg Simmel. Group Expansion and the Development of Individuality: Georg Simmel.3. Sigmund Freud.Civilization and its Discontents: Sigmund Freud. 4. W.E.B. Du Bois.The Souls of Black Folk: W.E.B. Du Bois. Part V: Knowledge and Critical Theory:Introduction.1. Karl Mannheim.Ideology and Utopia: Karl Mannheim. 2. Max Horkheimer.Traditional and Critical Theory: Max Horkheimer.3. Theodor Adorno.Cultural Criticism and Society: Theodor Adorno. 4. Herbert Marcuse.One-Dimensional Man: Herbert Marcuse.Part VI: Structural-Functional Analysis:Introduction.1. Talcott Parsons.The Structure of Social Action: Talcott Parsons.The Position of Sociological Theory: Talcott Parsons.An Outline of the Social System: Talcott Parsons.2. Robert K. Merton.On Sociological Theories of the Middle Range: Robert K. Merton.Manifest and Latent Functions: Robert K. Merton.The Bearing of Empirical Research on Sociological Theory: Robert K. Merton. Index.

About the Author :
Craig Calhoun is Professor of Sociology and History at New York University and since 1999 has been President of the Social Science Research Council. He was previously editor of Sociological Theory.

Review :
"Meticulously chosen selections from the 'founding fathers' (Marx, Weber, Durkheim) and their twentieth century successors (from Simmel and Mead to Blumer and Parsons). Introductory essays which are at once deep and lucid, broad and succinct. Calhoun and his collaborators have produced the best theory reader there is." Philip Gorski, University of Wisconsin-Madison "Craig Calhoun presents an elegant, concise, and thought-provoking introduction and overview of the development of sociological theory. It is an important complement to the rich selection of the classics found in this volume." Edward A. Tiryakian, Duke University