Home
| Work & Business
| Education
| Textbooks
| Sociological Theory Textbooks
Sociological Theory Textbooks
by Alyssa LaRenzie
-
Overview
Sociology is the study of society. Sociological theories explain why people or groups function how they do. Most textbooks provide some edited introduction and selected texts from the most noted theorists. Since theory can be divided into two main groups, textbooks may also focus on either classical or modern theory.
-
"Sociological Theory"
This basic introduction to theory is popular in many college-level sociology classes. Edited by George Ritzer, regarded as a leading authority in social theory, the book provides a general overview of the major classical theorists, such as Max Weber and Karl Marx, and of modern theory. The seventh edition is the most recent, published in 2008.
-
"Social Theory: The Mulicultural and Classical Readings"
Charles Lemert edited this theory textbook, which gives an overlook of many different types of theory and theorists. Lemert selected readings from some of the major sociological theorists in both classical and modern times. Minority group theorists receive more of an emphasis in this text. The fourth edition was published in 2009.
-
Companion Texts
George Ritzer's theory expertise lead to producing more advanced, specific sociological theory textbooks, including "Classical Sociological Theory" and "Modern Sociological Theory". Each of these takes a more in-depth look at theories of the time, with edited parts placed in context. These texts are in their fifth and seventh editions, respectively.
-
"Contemporary Sociological Theory and Its Classical Roots: The Basics"
Another widely used text by Ritzer, this book is available for a lower cost than most other theory textbooks. The information is more concise and general and could be a more comprehensive, basic introduction to sociological theory. Available in paperback, the third edition was published in 2009.
-
"Sociological Theory in the Classical Era"
The authors of this newer but popular theory textbook wanted to create a text that would keep the interest of students. Short introductions to each piece and important readings from major theorists make up this social theory overview. Editors Laura Desfor Edles and Scott Appelrouth also wrote a modern theory version. The second editions published in 2009.
