Structure of Sociological Theory



About this title:
This text covers new and emerging aspects of sociological theory and examines the significant contributions of both modern and founding theorists. Seven sections present detailed analyses of key theories and paradigms, including functionalism, evolutionary theory, conflict theory, critical theory, exchange theory, interactionist theory, and structuralism. The Seventh Edition is a less encyclopedic text than the Sixth Edition; despite the in-depth discussions of theorists and their contributions to the field, the text is concise and focused and is appropriate for use in nine- and ten-week courses.

On the Origins of Human Emotions: A Sociological Inquiry Into the Evolution of Human Affect



About this title:
Language and culture are often seen as unique characteristics of human beings. In this book the author argues that our ability to use a wide array of emotions evolved long before spoken language and, in fact, constituted a preadaptation for the speech and culture that developed among later hominids. Long before humans could speak with words, they communicated through body language their emotional dispositions; and it is the neurological wiring of the brain for these emotional languages that represented the key evolutionary breakthrough for our species. How did natural selection work on the basic ape anatomy and neuroanatomy to create the hominid line? The author suggests that what distinguished our ancestors from other apes was the development of an increased capacity for sociality and organization, crucial for survival on the African savanna. All apes display a propensity for weak ties, individualism, mobility, and autonomy that was, and is today, useful in arboreal and woodland habitats but served them poorly when our ancestors began to move onto the African plain during the late Miocene. The challenge for natural selection was to enhance traits in the species that would foster the social ties necessary for survival in the new environment. The author suggests that the result was a development of certain areas of the primate brain that encouraged strong emotional ties, allowing our ancestors to build higher levels of social solidarity. Our basic neurological wiring continues to reflect this adaptive development. From a sociological perspective that is informed by evolutionary biology, primatology, and neurology, the book examines the current neurological bases of our emotionalrepertoire and their implications for our social actions.


Handbook of Sociological Theory



About this title:
This wide-ranging handbook presents in-depth discussions on thearray of subspecialties that comprise the field of sociologicaltheory. Prominent theorists working in a variety of traditions discussmethodologies and strategies; the cultural turn in sociological theorizing; interaction processes; theorizing from the systemic andmacro level; new directions in evolutionary theorizing; power, conflict, and change; and theorizing from assumptions of rationality.

Sociology: Concepts and Uses



About this title:
This is a brief, inexpensive, paperback introduction to sociology which communicates the same amount of basic information as larger texts. Topics covered include the history of sociology, culture, social structure, stratification, socialization, inequality, deviance, and social change.

Human Institutions: A Theory of Societal Evolution



About this title:
In his newest book, leading social theorist Jonathan H. Turner offers a creative, richly grounded reinterpretation of social evolution.

Face to Face: Toward a Sociological Theory of Interpersonal Behavior



Emergence of Sociological Theory



About this title:
This scholarly text covers the first one hundred years of sociological theorizing, from 1830-1930, focusing primarily on Comte, Spencer, Marx, Weber, Simmel, Durkheim, Pareto, and Mead. The text provides an in-depth examination of these early sociological theorists with biographical background, analysis of key works, major influences, critical insights, and also answers the question, "What do these ideas tell us about the basic forces that shape the social world?" Posing this question for each theorist adds a unique perspective to the text and distinguishes it from other sociological theory books. In addition, this edition includes material on the enduring models and principles of the theorists' work that continue to inform sociological theory today.