Story of Sociology: A First Companion to Social Theory

(Paperback)

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'A brilliant synthetic essay of theoretical importance in its own right.' Jeffrey C. Alexander, Yale University, USA 'McLennan takes us on an absorbing journey that will provide illumination to newcomers to sociology and seasoned veterans alike. This is a fascinating version of the story so far, and an expansive vision of the road ahead.' Rob Stones, University of Essex, UK What does sociology involve How did its key concepts and perspectives develop What is the scope and relevance of sociology today These are the fundamental questions that motivate every new and returning student of sociology, and they lie at the heart of this unique book. Situating sociology within the wider context of social theory, Story of Sociology takes us from the intellectual tensions of Enlightenment thought, through the American-dominated twentieth century, to the latest debates in the discipline. Accessible and inspiring, succinct yet challenging, this book is an ideal companion to any introductory sociology or social theory course. 'This is an excellent short introduction to sociological theory, superbly capturing the dilemmas of sociological argument as well as its different traditions and sensibilities.' John Holmwood, University of Nottingham, UK 'Story of Sociology is more than a simple history; it is a compelling invitation to enter the sociological imagination. Extraordinary in its scope and clarity, this book links current departures to enduring themes and captures the dynamic positioning of sociology in the contemporary age.' Lisa Adkins, University of Newcastle, Australia

Reviews

This is a superb short introduction to sociological theory. It captures the dilemmas of sociological argument as well as its different traditions and sensibilities. It is concise without being shallow and will be a true companion on a student's journey through his or her studies. It provides an excellent overview for the start of the journey but, like any good guide book, it will repay consultation while on the journey. * John Holmwood, Professor of Sociology, University of Nottingham, UK *
Intertwining intellectual history with social and cultural transformation, McLennan has produced a brilliant synthetic essay of theoretical importance in its own right. * Jeffrey C. Alexander, Lillian Chavenson Saden Professor of Sociology Yale University, USA *
In this lively and engaging companion, Greg McLennan has distilled wisdom gained from years of focused and impassioned reflection on the value of sociology. He takes us on an absorbing journey that will provide illumination to newcomers to sociology and seasoned veterans alike. An evocative analysis of the Los Angeles Riots of 1992 is followed seamlessly by thumbnail sketches of such iconic thinkers as Marx, Durkheim, Dubois and Gilman, and by penetrating commentaries on all that is new, from postmodernism and post-feminism to post-democracy and the post-human. This is a fascinating version of the story so far, and an expansive vision of the road ahead. * Rob Stones, Professor of Sociology, University of Essex, UK *
In its original and insightful mapping of the unfolding of the discipline in the context of modernity Story of Sociology goes beyond standard introductory accounts. Gregor McLennan not only demonstrates the enduring relevance of recognized figures such as Durkheim and Weber, but also of thinkers such as Du Bois and Gilman so often marginalized in conventional histories of the discipline. Story of Sociology is more than a simple history, it is a compelling invitation to enter the sociological imagination. Extraordinary in its scope and clarity, this book links current departures to enduring themes. McLennan captures the dynamic positioning of Sociology in the contemporary age. * Lisa Adkins, University of Newcastle, Australia *

Author Bio

Gregor McLennan is Chair of Sociology at Bristol University and Director of the University's Institute for Advanced Studies. Previously, he was Head of Department at Massey University. He is one of the world's foremost scholars in social theory and the author of the leading intoductory sociology textbook in New Zealand.