Sociological Theory in the Classical Era is a highly-acclaimed new text which utilizes the unique and increasingly popular text/reader approach. The book presents major readings by sociology's key classical theorists, including Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Charlotte Perkins-Gilman, Georg Simmel, W.E.B. Du Bois, and George Herbert Mead. The corresponding text written by Laura Edles and Scott Appelrouth gives students the analytical framework necessary for them to develop a more critical and gratifying understanding of the ideas advanced by these theorists.

The theoretical concepts addressed in the book, while classical, still resonate with contemporary concerns. Topics include the nature of capitalism, the basis of social solidarity of cohesion, the role of authority in social life, the benefits and dangers posed by modern bureaucracies, the dynamics of gender and racial oppression, and the nature of "self" to name but a few.

Key Features

• "Student-friendly" text/reader approach provides an overarching scaffolding which students can use to examine, compare, and contrast each theorists' major themes and concepts through primary and secondary source materials
• Connects classical theorists and their writings to contemporary concerns.
• Photos of theorists, the social milieu during which their theories were developed, as well as photos that illustrate theories' applications to modern life
• Charts and figures summarize key concepts, illuminate complex ideas, and provoke student interest
• Discussion questions at the end of each chapter aid student comprehension

Sociological Theory in the Classical Era is intended for use as the core text in upper-level Classical Sociological Theory courses, or in combined Classical/Contemporary Sociological Theory courses.