The Discovery of Society - Softcover

Randall Collins; Michael Makowsky

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0070118418 ISBN 13: 9780070118416

Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill College, 1992

Synopsis

This classic paperback text explores the lives and ideas of the theorists who have shaped and continue to forge traditions in sociology. It focuses on the great names of the filed, ranging from the "Prophets of Paris" (Saint-Simon and Comte) to those of the late twentieth century. Significant biographical detail provides a unique context--historical, societal, political, and economic--for understanding their ideas. Complex theories are presented with engaging clarity, in a style that is fluid rather than highly structured. While the main thrust of the revision continues to be the development of the great classical tradition, the authors do an excellent job in their discussion of contemporary developments and their ties to classical concerns. The major changes in the fifth edition are: 1. A new chapter on the women's revolution in sociology, emphasizing the contributions made by women sociologists in the late 20th century to such areas as the sociology of revolutions (Theda Skocpol) and the theory of gender stratification (Rae Blumberg, Janet Chaftetz, Joan Huber). 2. An extended treatment of the development of African-American sociology focusing on W.E.B. DuBois. While the depth and breadth of the presentation are sufficient to provide a solid foundation in sociological theory, the style is accessible and engaging, and it doesn't overwhelm students the way most other theory texts do. It is appropriate for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in sociological theory; its accessible writing style also makes it useful for courses in introductory sociology or the history of social thought.

About this title

About the Author:

Randall Collins is Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Riverside. He earned his A.B. at Harvard in 1963, his M.A. at Stanford in 1964, and received his Ph.D. at University of California, Berkley in 1969. He is the author of numerous books and articles, such as Conflict Sociology: Toward an Explanatory Science, The Credential Society, Three Sociological Traditions, Weberian Sociological Theory, and Theoretical Sociology. Many of his works are of international interest, and have been translated into Italian, Duthc, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Rumanian, German, and Arabic. Michael Makowsky is organizational consultant to Musart Company. He earned his B.A from New York University's Washington Square College in 1962, and received his M.A. in Sociology from the University of California at Berkley in 1967. Over the last 30 years, he has taught at his alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley, as well as the University of California at Davis, Chabot College, College of San Mateo, Goddard College, the California Institute of Integral Studies, and the Cultural Integration Fellowship. He is the author of numerous articles in contemporary journals, such as Minstrel of Love: A Biography of Satguru Sant Keshavadas, Breath of the Eternal: The Way of Self-Knowledge: The Concept of Atman in Four Upanishads. He is the president of his own company, Deal Glamour Media and Education Productions and is a member of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Las Vegas.

About this edition

• Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill College
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0070118418
• ISBN 13: 9780070118416
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 352