Classical Sociological Theory

by George Ritzer and Jeffrey N. Stepnisky

Book Overview

Designed as a comprehensive overview of the history of sociological theory and the work of the major theorists, with biographical chapters on such theorists as Comte, Mead, Schutz, Parsons and Spencer, this text is designed for both undergraduates and graduates.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0070529728
• ISBN13: 9780070529724
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.

Customer Reviews

So good

The book is in good condition and I was impressed with how quickly it came.

One edition after another

I have benefited from reading various editions of Ritzer's text on classical sociological theory. He gives a good deal of attention to the social contexts in which authors work, and covers a broad range of theorists. In some ways, however, the strengths of Ritzer's treatment of classical theorists are also its weaknesses. If one were looking for applications to contemporary circumstances, it is difficult to make the case for Comte and Spencer. For historical reasons they certainly belong in an introductory overview of the development of the discipline. However, even with the current antiquarian revival of interest in Spencer, Ritzer has written a very conventional theory textbook. A good one, yes, since his prose is clear, his accounts are informative, and he does not trivialize important issues, but quite conventional nonetheless. For someone interested in efforts to synthesize differing perspectives and hoping to think about contemporary issues within a framework provided by classical theory, Ritzer's book is a bit off the mark. Nevertheless, it is well suited for beginning undergraduates and others making a first foray into sociological theory. It serves best those who are comfortable with list-like presentation of material that is more descriptive than evaluative, and who are not concerned with synthesis or application.

Sociological Theory

This book was in excellent condition considering that it is used. I was very impressed with the rate of delivery.