Perspectives in Sociology

From its first edition in 1979, Perspectives in Sociology has provided generations of undergraduates with a clear, reassuring introduction to the complications of sociological theory. This revised and updated edition features: a completely rewritten general introduction and conclusion; all-new introductions to each part, clarifying how each one builds on what came before; an updated set of formative questions at the end of each chapter; a comprehensive glossary of key terms. While retaining its emphasis and wealth of information on the founding figures of sociology, this sixth edition includes new tools that will allow students from related disciplines to access relevant sociological material quickly.

1. Introduction Part 1: Founding Thinkers 2. Karl Marx 3. Max Weber 4. Émile Durkheim Part 2: Sociology in the English-Speaking World 5. Consensus and Conflict 6. Symbolic Interaction 7. Ethnomethodology Part 3: The European Tradition 8. Western Marxism 9. Structuralism Part 4: Post-Sociological Perspectives? 10. Poststructuralism: Abandoning the certainties of meaning 11. Michel Foucault: Abandoning the certainties of reason 12. Postmodernity: Abandoning grand theory Part 5: Contemporary Trends 13. Back to Sociological Theory?: Reconciling theoretical oppositions 14. From Class to Culture: Do we need new theory for new societies? 15. Emancipatory Sociology: Stratification beyond class? 16. Conclusion

E.C. Cuff was formerly Head of the Department of Educational Studies at the Didsbury School of Education, Manchester Polytechnic. A.J. Dennis is Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Sheffield. D.W. Francis is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University. W.W. Sharrock is Professor of Sociology at the University of Manchester.