Sociological Theory - A Contemporary View: How to Read, Criticize and Do Theory

A pithy and clear guide to the process of creating and evaluating theory in the social sciences. Using a simple model of theory creation and assessment -- and applying it in depth to foundational and still-relevant social and economic theorists such as Durkheim, Marx and Parsons -- Neil Smelser shows the way to a better understanding of what social theory is supposed to accomplish...and how it can be read critically.

First appearing in 1971 as a monograph drawn from his Berkeley undergraduate class on sociological theory, Dr. Smelser's how-to book is now presented in modern format and with his timeless examples and explanations. Featuring a new Preface by the author, as well as a new Foreword by Arlie Russell Hochschild (both from 2011), this book makes understanding the insides of a theoretical framework as clear as such a daunting feat can credibly be accomplished. Useful for students and researchers learning the tools to read all sorts of theory in a critical manner, its republication and new presentation bring Dr. Smelser's legendary course on social theory to a new generation.

Part of the Classics of the Social Sciences Series from Quid Pro Books. Quality ebook edition features linked footnotes, active table of contents, linked Index of Sections, legible graphics -- and even embedded page numbers from the original, for continuity of citations and syllabi across all digital and print platforms. A very useful feature for classwork and group assignments.