Sociological Theory / Classical Statements : Dejerius Burgess

Contents: 1. Introduction, 2. Sociological Rational Choice Theory, 3. Structural Functionalism, Neo-functionalism and Conflict Theory, 4. St. Augustine, 5. Emile Durkheim, 6. Herbert Spencer, 7. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, 8. Karl Marx, 9. Max Weber, 10. Georg Simmel, 11. Sigmund Freud.

The basic insight of sociology is that human behaviour is largely shaped by the groups to which people belong and by the social interaction that takes place within those groups. The main focus of sociology is the group, not the individual. Sociologist is mainly interested in the interaction between people--the ways in which people act towards, respond to, and influence one another. Sociology, does not, however, study everything that happens in society or under social conditions. Classical Sociological Theory continues to include two historical chapters covering the early history of the field as well as its most recent developments. These chapters give students an overview that allows them to put the work of each theorist in its historical, social, and political context. This book offers students a handy overview of most of what they need to know about classical sociological theory.