Sociological Theory: An Introduction to the Classical Tradition

by Richard W. Hadden

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$37.95

Published: April 1997

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Imprint: University of Toronto Press

Page Count: 176 Pages

Dimensions: 5.50 x 8.50

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176 Pages, 5.50 x 8.50 x 0.38 in

Paperback

$37.95

ISBN: 9781551110950

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Sociological Theory presents a readable and easily understandable version of the central concepts and arguments of the great classical sociological theorists, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber. The book begins by introducing the initial turn to sociological thought through a brief discussion of the Enlightenment, Conservative Reaction, Comte, and Spencer. From this sociological blend of liberal and conservative ideas the work moves to its core discussion of the varying accounts of modern society found in the rich works of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber. From Marx's reading of history and analysis of capitalism it moves through Durkheim's accounts of social solidarity and suicide to Weber's understanding of bureaucracy and of the religious foundations of the modern work ethic. It concludes with a succinct comparison of the three analyses of modern society.

The late Richard W. Hadden was Associate Professor of Sociology at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax. He is author of the award-winning On the Shoulders of Merchants: Exchange and the Mathematical Conception of Nature in Early Modern Europe (State University of New York, 1994).

Preface

Introduction

1. Enlightenment, Conservative Reaction, Comte, and Spencer

Enlightenment
Conservative Reaction
Auguste Comte
The Law of Three Stages
The Positive Philosophy
The Positive Polity
Herbert Spencer

2. Karl Marx

Critique of the Critics of Consciousness
From the Critique of Consciousness to the Critique of Political Economy
The Analysis of Capitalist Society
The Labour Theory of Value
The Fetishism of Commodities
Surplus-Value
Capital, Contradiction, Crisis, and State

3. Emile Durkheim

Consciousness, Law, and the History of Solidarity
Sociological Method
Suicide
Sociology, Morality, Education, and Religion
Science and Religion—Authority and Society

4. Max Weber

Approach and Assumptions: A Sociological Reading of History
Action, Domination, and Legitimacy
Rational-Legal Authority and Bureaucracy
Traditional Domination and Authority
Charismatic Authority
Class, Status, and Party
Religion, Action, and Modern Rationality

Conclusion: Modernity, Reason, and the Legacy of Classical Social Theory

References

Index

Hadden's clear presentation of the often complex arguments of the classic European sociologists is most welcome. Although designed for the undergraduate student, this handy volume can be profitably read as a refresher by the professional sociologist as well.
Carol Copp, California State University

Sociology / Theory & Methods

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Sociological Theory: An Introduction to the Classical Tradition