Sociological Perspectives: Selected Readings

The primary intention of this book is to show that the sociological perspective provides a distinctive approach to the study of the relation between man and society.

The continuities in the classic sociological tradition are illustrated by selections from the works of the chief figures in that tradition, and by focusing on some of the major debates that have excited sociologists.

In the first Part the emergence of sociology is related to the problems posed by the transition to a modern industrial society. The second Part examines efforts that have been made to analyse the basic processes and forms of social interaction.

The focus then shifts to two important substantive areas – stratification and belief. Some of the great debates over developments in both these areas serve to illustrate continuities in the sociological tradition. The final Part deals with fundamental issues regarding the logic and methods of sociology. In keeping with the title of the book, it faces up to the possibility that the sociological perspective can at times become fragmented into radically opposed perspectives on the relation between man and society.