Social Theory: Roots and Branches (Readings)

The Second Edition of Peter Kivisto’s comprehensive collection of student-accessible, primary-source readings provides students an opportunity to experience "first-hand" a broad range of orientations shaping sociological theory today.

New essays in the Second Edition include:
Ulrich Beck on the advent of risk society.
Immanuel Wallerstein on world-system theory.
Manuel Castells on the rise of network society.
A new essay by Erving Goffman on dramaturgical sociology.
Richard Emerson's seminal essay on power-dependence relations.
Bryan Turner on the theoretical contours of a sociology of the body.
Alain Touraine on the shifting salience of citizenship in modern democracies.
A selection by Harriet Martineau, a neglected figure from the classical period.

Benefits of SOCIAL THEORY: ROOTS AND BRANCHES to students and instructors are as follows:
These seminal writings from key theorists were selected for their high degree of relevance and accessibility to undergraduates. The readings help students make the connection across schools of thought—revealing that theories are always about something—as well as demonstrating the roles theories play in interpreting our social world.
This anthology features longer readings than are offered in many anthologies. Included are separate sections on Neglected Voices and Voices From Outside the Discipline.
Brief, thought-provoking introductions frame each article in a larger context and alert students to key points. These introductions serve as a useful "road map" as students travel through the diverse views and continuing debates that make the study of social theory an exciting adventure. These introductions also identify and explain central issues and relationships among the topics covered.

Peter Kivisto, Augustana College.