Sociological Theory in the Contemporary Era: Text and Readings combines the major writings of sociology's core contemporary theorists with a historical and theoretical framework for understanding these works. Authors Scott Appelrouth and Laura Desfor Edles use this unique text/reader approach to introduce students to sociological theory in a lively and engaging fashion. Key Features: "Enables students to compare and contrast core concepts and ideas:" This book provides not just a biographical and theoretical summary of each theorist/reading, but an overarching theoretical framework with which to understand, compare, and contrast these selections. The authors rely on original texts to derive new meaning and excitement of sociological theory. "Stresses contemporary applications and examples:" In addition to chapters on well-known figures, there is also an in-depth discussion of lesser known voices. The social and intellectual milieu in which the selections were written is discussed, as well as their contemporary relevance. Thus, the book connects these seemingly disparate works not only theoretically but also via concrete applications to today's world."Provides a variety of visuals and pedagogical devices:" Charts, figures, photographs, and discussion questions help summarize key concepts, illuminate complex ideas, and provoke student interest. No other theory text combines such "student-friendly" explanation and analysis with original theoretical works. Intended Audience:This is an excellent text for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying sociological theory in courses such as Contemporary Sociological Theory, Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory, and Sociological Theory

Table of Contents

Introduction Functionalism Critical Theories Exchange Theory Symbolic Interactionism and Dramaturgy Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology Feminist Theory Post-Structuralist and Postmodern Theories Contemporary Theoretical Syntheses The Global Society

Author Biography

Laura Desfor Edles (Ph.D., UCLA, 1990) is Professor of Sociology at California State University, Northridge. She is the author of Symbol and Ritual in the New Spain (Cambridge University Press, 1998), Cultural Sociology in Practice (Blackwell Publishers, 2002), and various articles on social theory and culture. Scott Appelrouth (Ph.D., New York University, 2000) is an Associate Professor of Sociology at California State University, Northridge. His interests include social theory, cultural sociology, and social movements. He teaches classical and contemporary theory at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and has published articles in research and teaching journals.