Classical Sociology Book

Classical sociology has often been described as revolving around a debate between the ghosts of Marx and Weber. While it is true that these 'founding fathers' produced twin legacies of theory that have proved remarkably durable, it is a travesty to reduce the roots of the subject to them. In this book, one of the foremost sociologists of the present day, turns his gaze upon the key figures and seminal institutions in the rise of sociology. Turner examines the work of Karl Marx, Max Weber, Karl Mannheim, Georg Simmel, Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons to produce a rich and authoritative perspective on the classical tradition. He argues that classical sociology has developed on many fronts, including debates on the family, religion, the city, social stratification, generations and citizenship. The book defends classical perspectives as a living tradition for understanding contemporary social life. It demonstrates how the classical tradition produces an agenda for contemporary sociology. Accessible and authoritative, it will be required reading for anyone interested in sociology and social theory today.Read More