Foundations of Classical Sociological Theory: Functionalism, Conflict and Action

Description

This textbook provides an extensive analysis of classical sociological theory by giving readers an introduction to the life and ideas of all the eminent thinkers. The book begins by giving an overview of the emergence of sociology as a discipline in the background of socio-economic development that characterized Europe in 18th century. The first part of the book examines how the theorists viewed society as an organism the second part takes cognizance of the conflict theory and third part deals with the emergence of action theory which took ambivalent position with regard to science and emphasized human agency and consciousness. Written in a very simple language, this book will help students delve deeper into the subject. Salient Features A comprehensive review of the work of all major school of thought Lucid explanation of all the key terms to aid understanding Cover Contents Preface Introduction Explanation/Interpretation Induction and Deduction Structure of Theory Generalisation Types of Sociological Theory Plan of the Book Part I: Classical Sociology: Emergence Chapter 1: Science and Enlightenment Social and Historical Backdrop Revolutions in Science Enlightenment and Emergence of Sociology Part II: Evolution to Functionalism: Interaction between Sociology and Biology Chapter 2: Auguste Comte Law of Three of Stages Theological Stage Metaphysical Stage Positive Stage Hierarchy of Sciences Astronomy (1) Physics (2) Chemistry (3) Physiology (4) Sociology (5) Positivism Crucial Significance of Comte’s Contribution Chapter 3: Herbert Spencer Society Evolution Types of Society Contextualising Spencer Chapter 4: Emile Durkheim Rules of Sociological Method Division of Labour in Society Suicide and Social Solidarity Sociology of Religion Durkheim in the Classical Sociological Tradition Part III: Conflict Perspective: Marx and Classical Sociology Chapter 5: Karl Marx Dialectics Historical Materialism Capitalism: Emergence and Dynamics Classes and Class Struggle Alienation Chapter 6: Marx and Conflict Theory Critical Evaluation Conflict Theory after Marx Part IV: Action Perspective: Construction of Autonomous Actor Stranded in Society Chapter 7: Max Weber 1. Basic Concepts Social Action Types of Social Action Usage Custom Interest Social Relationships Conflict Communal and Associative Relationships Open and Close Relationships 2. Methodology: Construction of Value Neutral and Interpretative Sociology Social and Natural Sciences Value-Neutrality and Objectivity Verstehen Ideal Types Historical Explanation 3. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Fundamental Differences Between Oriental and Occidental Civilizations Religious Affiliation and Social Stratification Spirit of Capitalism The Protestant Ethic Luther’s Concept of Calling Calvinism Asceticism and Spirit of Capitalism 4. Religion of India Hindu Social System Basic Structure of Hindu Society Brahmin Kshatriya Hindu Religion and Brahmanism 5. Political Sociology Power, Legitimacy and Domination (Authority) Traditional Authority Charismatic Authority Legal Authority Bureaucracy Social Inequality: Class, Status, and Party Classes Status Groups Parties Chapter 8: Pareto and Parsons 1. Vilfredo Pareto Logical Actions Non-logical Actions 2. Talcott Parsons and the Arrival of Action System Unit Act Action Frame of Reference Actor Situation Action Modes of Orientation of Action Motivational Orientation Value Orientation Types of Action Dilemmas of Orientation and the Pattern Variables Affectivity Versus Affective Neutrality Self-Orientation Versus Collectivity-Orientation Universalism Versus Particularism Quality Versus Performance Diffuseness Versus Specificity Systems of Action and Interaction Conclusion 1. Individual and Society 2. Problem of Order 3. Structure and Change 4. Fact and Value References Primary Sources Secondary Sources Index