Understanding Modern Sociology

From the team that brought you the bestselling Understanding Classical Sociology (SAGE Publications, 1995), we now have a companion volume dealing with the modern period of social theory. An introductory chapter situates the reader in the main changes in society and sociology following the classic period. This is then followed by separate chapters giving a detailed account of four perspectives that are regarded to be of seminal importance - Functionalism, Critical Theory, Structuralism and Symbolic Interactionism. All of the popular features of Understanding Classical Sociology are reproduced in this book:

- Clarity of exposition and criticism

- A passion for the importance and relevance of sociological reasoning and explanation

- A commitment to treat social theory as a living tradition of thought

In addition, the volume comes with a variety of pedagogic aids including summary points and key definitions to facilitate learning and study.