Sociological Theory: From the Classical to the Contemporary

This is a newly revised and thoroughly edited fourth edition of a college level textbook in sociological theory. The book presents an introductory level description of many of the central sociological theories both past and present, from Durkheim's theorizing to critical race and gender theories, from symbolic interactionism to exchange theories, from Weber to postmodernism. It is written in an engaging, informal, conversational, and accessible style in which complex ideas are presented in a simple and straightforward manner, making difficult ideas rather easy to understand. The author also adds commentary and criticisms in select chapters covering controversial and dated theories, such as those of Parsons' structural functionalism, critical race and gender theories, and postmodernism.

In this new fourth edition of Sociological Theory, Leveille has updated and rearranged several chapters. A newly revised and expanded introduction is included which critically relates abstract theories to contemporary American political and cultural realities. The chapter on Tocqueville has been significantly updated and expanded, and the sections on conflict theories, Marxist theories (including the Frankfurt School), and structural functionalism have all been rearranged and moved into different chapters from where they were in earlier editions.