About the Book
The present book is one of the most known books on sociological theory. The main theoretical currents in contemporary sociology are grouped into five themes: (i) functionalism, (ii) social exchange theory, (iii) conflict theory, (iv) phenomenology, and (v) symbolic interaction. Each one of these themes is a wholesome account of the issues related to the discussion. The author provides a balanced view of both positive side and weaknesses of these theoretic formulations. The salient contribution of the author lies in his attempt for formulating what he calls a Marx-Weber model. Such an approach not only highlights the relevance of the theories and methods enunciated by these two founding fathers, but also speaks of the academic excellence of Dr. Zeitlin. A synthesis of the theories and methods of Marx and Weber brings out the role of structural explanation in the understanding of social reality.
A social psychological explanation of social reality makes the book a complete treatise for the students of sociological theory. The discussion on phenomenology and ethnomethodology and symbolic interactionism brings out the role of social psychological reasoning in sociological theory. In fact, Zeitlin’s analysis of social interaction and the role of dialectical approach in the writings of Mead, Marcuse and others make this book distinct from the rest of the books on sociological theory. To find a common thread between Marx, Weber, Mead, Freud and Marcuse for arriving at a synthesis is a commendable task performed by the author. The book throws a challenge to the age-old theoretic notions and compels readers to think afresh.
Contents
1. The Concepts of Traditional Functionalism
2. Talcott Parsons: Action Theory and the Social System
3. Is There a Second Talcott Parsons?
4. The Rediscovery of Evolution
5. The Exchange Theory of George C. Homans
6. Exchange and Power in the Work of Peter Blau
7. A Note on Coser’s Functionalized Conflict
8. Dahrendorf’s Postcapitalist Society
9. Toward a Marx-Weber Model of Social and Historical Analysis
10. Husserl and the Crisis of Science and Philosophy
11. Max Scheler
12. The Phenomenological Dimension in Max Weber
13. The Intersubjective World of Everyday Life: The Ideas of Alfred Schütz
14. Garfinkel’s Ethnomethodology
15. The Social Psychology of Erving Goffman
16. Herbert Blumer’s Symbolic Interaction
17. The Dialectical Philosophy of George Herbert Mead
18. The Rudiments of Marx’s Epistemology and Social Psychology
19. Toward a Synthesis of Marx, Mead, and Freud
About the Author / Editor
Irving M. Zeitlin was Professor of Sociology at University of Toronto, Canada.
