Masters of Sociological Thought: Ideas in Historical and Social Context - Softcover

Lewis A. Coser

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0155551310 ISBN 13: 9780155551312

Publisher: Harcourt Publishers Ltd, 1977

Synopsis

For today’s readers to understand the history of sociological theories more is required than a knowledge of formal propositions and theoretical structures. In this impressive and enduring text, Coser elucidates his examination of the ideas of fifteen influential sociological thinkers with a discussion of the social and intellectual circumstances that surrounded them. Each of the first fourteen chapters follows a parallel organization. The first section is a capsule summary of the scholar’s work—his main orientations, ideas, and contributions. Next is a short sketch of his life—his struggles and successes; the influences of his family, peers, and superiors; and his involvement in community affairs. The third section locates him and his work in the texture of a particular moment in intellectual history. The concluding section addresses sociological questions such as: What were the social origins of the theorist? Did crucial events (e.g., war, depression, revolution) help fashion his orientations in ways similar to those of others in his generation? The final chapter presents a less-detailed discussion of major American theorists whose theories emerged between the 1940s and 1960s.

About this title

From the Publisher

Titles of related interest also from Waveland Press: Coser-Rosenberg, Sociological Theory: A Book of Readings, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9780881334579) and Lengermann-Niebrugge, The Women Founders: Sociology and Social Theory 1830-1930, A Text/Reader (ISBN 9781577665090).

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"Professor Coser’s evident skill for epitomizing complex ideas without trivializing them enables him to cut deep below the surface to their assumptions. As a result, this exposition of classical sociological thought is critical in tone, comprehensive in scope, and conscientious in its attention to detail. I know of no other book that so thoroughly and so compactly sets out the essentials of this wide range of classical theory." — Robert K. Merton, from the Foreword

Edition details

• Publisher: Harcourt Publishers Ltd
• Publication date: 1977
• ISBN 10: 0155551310
• ISBN 13: 9780155551312
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 611