Book Details

• Author: J.P. Singh

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2021

• ISBN: 9788131612095

• Pages: 386

• Cover: Paperback

About the Book

This comprehensive volume presents a rich collection of writings tracing the evolution of social theories from the origins of sociology in the mid-19th century to contemporary developments. It vividly illustrates the transition of sociology from its roots in social philosophy in France to its emergence as a prominent and dynamic social science by the 20th century.

Designed to serve a diverse readership—from students and budding sociologists to seasoned social science professionals—the book offers a critical introduction to the key themes, schools of thought, and methodological perspectives in sociology. Each theoretical paradigm is discussed in relation to others, highlighting their interconnections, contradictions, and collective contributions to the understanding of the social world.

Among the topics explored are Positivism, Evolutionary and Cyclical theories, Marxism, Functionalism, Critical Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism, and World-System Theory. The volume also delves into more recent intellectual movements including Postmodernism and Structuration Theory, offering readers a panoramic view of the dynamic landscape of sociological thought.

This book is also a valuable interdisciplinary resource, shedding light on areas relevant to anthropology, political science, economics, and history. Whether for academic study or general interest, it serves as a critical resource for anyone wishing to explore the nature and development of modern sociology.

Contents

• Sociology: Themes and Theories

• Positivism and Neo-positivism

• Evolutionary Theories and Neo-evolutionism

• Cyclical Theories

• Marxism or Conflict Theories

• Functionalism and Neo-functionalism

• Neo-Marxism or Critical Theory

• Symbolic Interactionism

• Phenomenological Sociology and Ethnomethodology

• Social Exchange Theory

• Structuralism and Post-structuralism

• Modernism and Post-modernism

• World-system Theory

• Theories of Structure and Structuration

• Philosophy of Science

About the Author

Dr. J.P. Singh, an esteemed lexicographer and sociologist, holds an MA from Patna University, an MPhil in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi), and a PhD in Demography from the Australian National University, Canberra. His academic and administrative roles have included Associate Professor at TISS Mumbai, Director of Population Research Centre at Patna University, and Pro Vice-Chancellor at Patna University. Dr. Singh has also served the Government of Bihar as Director of Higher Education.

His notable publications include standard sociology textbooks and major lexicons like Samaj Vigyan Vishwakosh (2009), Manavshastra Shabdakosh (2019), and A Comprehensive Dictionary of Sociology (2021). His contribution to sociological literature and education has been both pioneering and deeply impactful.