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Marx, Durkheim, Weber
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Marx, Durkheim, Weber
Formations of Modern Social Thought

Second Edition


July 2006 | 480 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
`This is an excellent introduction to classical social theory. For most students it is the only book on the subject that they will need. The expositions are clear and comprehensive, outlining with almost alarming clarity ideas with which many of us have to struggle' - Alan Bryman, The Management Centre, University of Leicester

This is a thoroughly revised, expanded version of the best selling student text in classical social theory. The book provides an authoritative, accessible undergraduate guide to the three pivotal figures in the classical tradition. Readable and stimulating, the book explains the key ideas of these thinkers and situates them in their historical and philosophical contexts. The student gains an immediate understanding of what is distinctive and relevant about these giants of sociology.

 

The book includes a glossary with over 150 entries. For a decade, the book has been required reading on undergraduate degree programmes. This new edition, refines the material, extends the analysis and enhances our appreciation. It is a nugget in its field.

 
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
 
The Origins and Foundations of Modern Social Theory: 1750-1920
 
Modern Social Theory Defined
 
The Central Subject Matter of Social Theory
 
PART TWO: KARL MARX
 
The Historical Context of Karl Marx's Work
 
The Shift to Materialism
 
The German Ideology
 
Marx's Economic Works: 1850-1867
 
Capital Volume One, Part A
Economic and Social Elements of Capitalism

 
 
Capital Volume One, Part B
The Theory of Value

 
 
Capital Volume One, Part C
Theory of Surplus Value

 
 
Capital Volume One, Part D
The Genesis of Capitalism

 
 
Theory of Alienation
 
Marx's Theory of Alienation and the 1844 Manuscripts
 
Marx's Political Writings
 
Marx's Dialectical View of History
The Theory of Development

 
 
PART THREE: EMILE DURKHEIM
 
The Historical Context of Emile Durkheim's Work
 
The Division of Labor in Society
 
The Rules of Sociological Method
 
Durkheim's Study of Suicide
 
The Elementary Form of the Religious Life
 
PART FOUR: MAX WEBER
 
The Historical Context of Max Weber's Work
 
Weber's Theoretical Perspective and Fundamental Themes in His Work
 
The Theme of Capitalism in Weber's Work
 
Weber's Theory of Class, Status and Party
 
Weber's Concept of the Status Group
The Separation of Status from Class

 
 
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
 
Weber's Methodology and the Theory of Knowledge in the Social Sciences
 
The Theory of Legitimate Domination
Weber's Political Writings

 
 
Weber's Study of Bureaucracy

An excellent starting point for Social Care and Sociology students towards their understanding of these key areas in social theory. I will be using themes within the text with my Level 3 BTEC students to develop critical debate between historic and current social climates.

Mrs Victoria Lappin
Health , Gateshead College
April 8, 2016

Very good no nonsense book which details the ideas in a way that is informative and logical.

Mrs Marcia Louise Dewar
health and social science, Bradford College
October 3, 2015

A beautifully written and clear introduction to the subject, yet with a sophisticated analysis.

Dr Stephen Brown
School of Applied Social Science, Brighton University
January 1, 2016

Very useful overview

Mr John Gately
Nursing Department, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
October 1, 2013

Some helpful background to key thinkers

Dr Joanie Willett
Department of Politics, Exeter University
June 24, 2013

This book provides a excellent outline of the key concepts relating to the work of Marx, Weber and Durkheim. It is an excellent text to accompany the intoduction of these classicial theorists to undergraduate students.

Ms Eileen Farrell
Wexford Campus, Institute of Technology Carlow
September 27, 2012

This book provides useful information on key social theory. It is clear and logical outlining main social concepts. It is useful for nursing students wishing to understand how classic sociological theory is relevant to nursing and how it can can impact on care delivery.

Mrs Deborah Haydock
community & child health, Chester University
September 4, 2012

This books will give any student a good framework on which to build their knowledge of social classical theory.

Miss Frances Jackson
Public Services, Peterborough Regional College
June 22, 2012

Students found this book very useful as introduction to sociology; especially for those new to sociology

Professor Amir Hasan Dawi
Education and Human Development, Sultan Idris Education University
June 12, 2012

This text is very comprehensive, and well structured and organised. The text explains key concepts and theories in a way that is accessible to undergraduate students. I think students of my module will find it useful across various topics to be covered, and it should serve them well in subsequent years also.

Ms Hazel O brien
Department of Applied Arts, Waterford Institute of Technology
December 8, 2011

Sample Materials & Chapters

Introduction PDF


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