 |  Contemporary Sociological Theory and Its Classical Roots: The Basics George Ritzer,
University of Maryland
Features-
Classical theory is covered in this volume in two relatively brief chapters (2 and 3). Contemporary theory is dealt with in just five chapters (4-8). Postmodern theory is covered in one chapter (9).
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The introductory chapter is brief, but it quickly and efficiently defines the nature of sociological theory, discusses some of the controversy surrounding the traditional definition of theory (and traditional theories), analyzes the alternate perspective and offers some non-traditional (multicultural) examples, and introduces the book as a whole.
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Boxes on important concepts are throughout the text, brief biographical vignettes (with photos) appear throughout the book, and many examples are included.
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There are no complex quotations from the theorists themselves. Extensive quotations have been paraphrased to make the material more accessible. There is no long list of citations. Instead, there is a very short annotated bibliography at the end of each chapter.
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Feminist theory (by Patricia Lengermann and Jill Niebrugge) is discussed in several places in this text (rather than in one complex chapter): chapter eight, as well as in appropriate places in chapters four, six, seven and nine.
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Other complex topics are covered in relatively brief discussions appearing in two, or more, chapters (e.g. Weber's and Simmel's work is dealt with in chapters 2 and 3).
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2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education