Beginning classical social theory / Marcel Stoetzler.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stoetzler, Marcel, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Social sciences--Philosophy.

Social sciences.

Sociology--Philosophy.

Sociology.

Physical Description:

xiv, 351 pages ; 20 cm

Place of Publication:

Manchester, UK : Manchester University Press, [2017]

Summary:

Beginning classical social theory introduces thirteen key social theorists by examining a single, exemplary text by each. Arranged chronologically from Auguste Comte to Theodor W. Adorno, the chapters provide short contextualizing introductions followed by close readings that demonstrate how to break down and analyse the ideas being presented. Readers are alerted to the flow of the argument, to its contradictions and limitations and to what makes it 'classical'. Getting 'under the skin' of one key text in this way provides a solid starting point for further study. Designed to promote independent critical engagement, the book examines major themes in classical social theory, including modernity, democracy, gender, class, the commodity form, community, social facts, race, capitalism, strangeness, love and marriage. It presents a diverse range of arguments that give readers valuable insights into how classical theorists thought and wrote. Beginning classical social theory is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as general readers. It can be used as a textbook in social theory modules or an additional resource for private study. -- from back cover.

Contents:

1 Introduction: If it is not mysterious, it is not social theory

2 The well-planned reorganisation of society: Auguste Comte

3 If you can't beat democracy, join it: Alexis de Tocqueville

4 Pariahs of the world, unite!: Flora Tristan

5 Capitalist modernity is the real savagery: Karl Marx

6 The conflict of community and society: Ferdinand Tönnies

7 There is some Thing out there: Emile Durkheim

8 The double consciousness: W. E. B. Du Bois

9 From good to bad capitalism and back: Max Weber

10 Strangers who are from here: Georg Simmel

11 Love, marriage and patriarchy: Marianne Weber

12 Critical versus traditional theory: Max Horkheimer

13 What is a woman, and who is asking anyway: Simone de Beauvoir

14 Society as mediation: Theodor W. Adorno.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1784991457

9781784991456

OCLC:

964383600