There are many differences of opinion between sociologists about how best to investigate social issues and about the quality of the answers that different questions produce. This book looks at a range of sociological theories from the last two hundred years, taking a thematic approach that helps students to better integrate the material and to understand the significance of the individual theorists. With illustrations from the work of John Stuart Mill, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, Karl Marx, Karl Mannheim, Michel Foucault, Anthony Giddens and Erving Goffman, this book provides an accessible and comprehensive guide for introductory students of sociology and social theory.

'..cohesive, readable and enjoyable..highly recommended.' - Martin Pickersgill, University of Nottingham in Network

'This book is a wonderful introduction to sociological theories and contributors to the discipline.' - Teaching Sociology

Preface
Introduction
Dimension One: Units of Analysis
The Individual vs Social Facts
Interaction and the Return of Reductionism
Dimension Two: Modes of Explanation
Explaining Social Life
Dimension Three: Key Factors
Key Factors of Social Evolution
Dimension Four: Sociological Knowledge
Sociology and Ideology
Dimension Five: Structure and Agency
Social Structure and Its Alternatives
New Ideas on Structure and Agency
Conclusion
References

DAVID CHEAL is Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology at the University of Winnipeg, Canada. His research interests, in addition to Sociological Theory, include the Sociology of Family. Publications include Family and the State of Theory, and Sociology of Family Life.