Theoretical Sociology
1830 to the Present
- Jonathan H. Turner - University of California, Riverside, USA
Written by award-winning scholar, Jonathan Turner, Theoretical Sociology: 1830 to the Present is a monumental book that offers in-depth and comprehensive coverage of both the classical and modern traditions in sociological theory.
The text is dived into three key parts: Part 1 provides detailed analyses of the theories of the classical tradition, including the works of August Comte, Herbert Spencer, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Georg Simmel, Emile Durkheim, and George Herbert Mead; Part 2 examines all of the principle theoretical traditions in sociology during the modern era, including the functional, general systems, ecological, evolutionary, conflict, exchange, symbolic interactionist, role and status, dramaturgical, phenomenological, structuralist, cultural, postmodern, European-critical, and American-style critical theories; Part 3 reviews the state of sociological theory today, including scientific elements of theory and how to overcome roadblocks that have prevented sociological theories from realizing their full explanatory power.
This is an excellent volume, which I will encourage students to access when thinking about specific theoretical concepts or key thinkers. However, given the structure of the module, it could not be adopted as a core text.
This book is clearly organised and provides a relevant insight into some of the fundamentals of Sociological theory.
I decided to go with the Applerouth and Edles text.
This is a remarkable book, it gives depth and clarity across the sociological theory range in Turner’s inimitable post-positive style (that declaration puts people off but…) that attempts to make analytic models and present modern propositions from classical, modern and contemporary social theory; with I have to say some considerable skill.
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The coverage is very, no… very very good, the depth is ‘postgraduate’ and it is rather accessible if you have undergraduate sociology knowledge.
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This is a must for postgraduate sociology; taking historical narrative in sociology to a post-positivist and pragmatist dimension that offers propositions that are applicable to research from long dead sociologists and situates them in modern and up to date sociological theory.
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Really good stuff if you warm to Turner’s analytic style…. I do.
The content of this book is consistent with the course outline. Discourses are objective and relevant/adoptable.
This book provides a great depth of insight into a comprehensive variety of sociological theory. The layout lends itself to an easy reference book for dipping into when in search of clear understanding of otherwise complex issues - all be it at a slightly higher readership level then I had expected. I feel that this text is more suited to level 4 or 5 study as opposed to the level 3 course I had in mind.
Found this text extremely useful in preparation for sessions for me lectures. The text gives an excellent overview to classical theorist in sociology.
A vital text to any teaching of sociological theory. Good for both tutors and students and already being used in 1st year teaching and from September, 2nd level too. Both readable and enjoyable.
This is an excellent book which outlines all ther major sociological theories and provides a solid foundation for further reading
A great book that explains theory clearly.
