Understanding Classical Sociology: Marx, Weber, Durkheim - Softcover

Hughes, John; Martin, Peter J; Sharrock, Wes

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080398636X ISBN 13: 9780803986367

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 1995

Synopsis

A lucid examination of the pivotal theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim, this accessible text demonstrates the continuing relevance of these three figures to contemporary sociology. The authors show how the classical apparatus is still in use, even though it is being directed in new ways in response to the changing character of society.

Writing with the needs of the undergraduate student in mind, the authors emphasize the continuities in modern sociological thought, and argue that many of the ideas of postmodern thinkers were anticipated by classical theorists. The introduction outlines the main elements of the sociological tradition and highlights its roots in the Enlightenment. The chapters that follow give detailed, sharply focused accounts of the main ideas of Marx, Weber and Durkheim, connecting them with more recent sociological theories and approaches.

About this title

About the Author

Wes Sharrock has spent his entire career since 1965 in sociology until his retirement in 2017 at the University of Manchester. His main interests have been in the philosophy of social science and in ethnomethodology, and he has published widely on issues of sociological principle and empirical research in these areas.

Wes has explored two central themes―the relevance of fieldwork and an understanding of ordinary language for an understanding of social practice and the respecification of social theory―pursuing them across a huge variety of settings, from ordinary scenes of everyday social life through to complex domains of practical action and reasoning in various academic and industrial work situations. An ethnomethodologist of international reputation, alongside his other contributions, Wes coedited with Mike Lynch the four-volume 2003 Sage collection Harold Garfinkel.

Edition details

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 080398636X
• ISBN 13: 9780803986367
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240