Modern Sociological Theory

Written by one of the foremost American authorities on sociological theory, Modern Sociological Theory gives readers a comprehensive overview of the history of modern sociological thought, as well as an analysis of the most important contemporary schools and new theoretical orientations. Organized chronologically, this text begins with a synopsis of the formative years and concludes with the emergence of postmodern (and even post-post modern) social theory, integrating key theories with biographical and autobiographical sketches of the lives of theorists to place readings in their personal and historical context. 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, criticisms and applications of postmodernism, and post-post modernism.