Classical Sociological Theory

Steven Loyal · Sinisa Malesevic

Sep 2020 · SAGE

About this ebook

Introducing the founders of sociological theory – from Marx, Weber, Durkheim and Martineau through to Simmel, DuBois, Mead and others – this accessible textbook locates each thinker within their own social, political and historical context. By doing so, it helps readers to understand the development of central sociological concepts and how they can help us understand the contemporary world.

The book includes:

• Lively biographical sections to help readers get to know each thinker
• Clear and easy-to-understand accounts of each theorist’s arguments - and the most common criticisms
• Key concept boxes highlighting the most influential ideas

This comprehensive, enlightening text brings the rich and diverse field of classical sociological theory to life.

About the author

Steven Loyal is an Associate Professor in Sociology at University College Dublin

Sinisa Malesevic is Professor and Head/Chair of UCD School of Sociology. Previously, he held research and teaching appointments at the Institute for International Relations (Zagreb), the Centre for the Study of Nationalism, CEU (Prague) and at the National University of Ireland, Galway. He also held visiting research fellowships at the London School of Economics and the Institute for Human Sciences (Vienna). He is also a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. Professor Malesevic is a comparative historical and political sociologist whose main research interests include the study of war and organized violence, ethnicity and nationalism, ideology, as well as sociological theory. He has authored six books and has edited or co-edited another five volumes. He has also authored over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.