Sociological Theory

Written by one of the foremost American authorities on sociological theory, this market-leading text gives readers a comprehensive overview of the major classical theorists and contemporary schools of sociological thought. Arranged chronologically, it spans the history of sociological theory from its inception to the present. Key theories are integrated with biographical and autobiographical sketches of the lives of theorists to place readings in their personal and historical context for students. The fifth edition has been thoroughly updated and revised to include a number of sections on new developments in the field, such as theories of consumption and the new means of consumption, multiculturalism, and criticisms and applications of postmodernism and post-post modernism.