Masters Of Sociological Thought

Book Details:

• Author: Lewis A. Coser

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2012

• ISBN: 9788131605165

• Pages: 638

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.5 inches

About the Book

Masters of Sociological Thought: Ideas in Historical and Social Context is a definitive guide to understanding the evolution of sociological theories by examining the works of fifteen of the most influential sociological thinkers in history. Lewis A. Coser presents not only the key theoretical propositions of each thinker but also deeply explores the social, historical, and intellectual contexts in which these ideas emerged.

Each of the first fourteen chapters in the book follows a uniform structure:

• A concise summary of the sociologist’s major ideas, theoretical orientations, and scholarly contributions.

• A biographical sketch highlighting personal struggles, influences of family, peers, mentors, and social involvement.

• A contextual placement of their work within the broader intellectual history.

• A reflection on sociological questions such as the impact of social background and major historical events (e.g., wars, revolutions) on their theoretical outlook.

The final chapter covers a less detailed but insightful discussion on leading American sociologists whose work took shape between the 1940s and 1960s.

This scholarly yet accessible book is ideal for students, researchers, and academics seeking a deeper appreciation of how sociological thought has been shaped by both individual genius and the pressures of historical moments.

Contents

• Auguste Comte

• Karl Marx

• Herbert Spencer

• Emile Durkheim

• Georg Simmel

• Max Weber

• Thorstein Veblen

• Charles Horton Cooley

• George Herbert Mead

• Robert Ezra Park

• Vilfredo Pareto

• Karl Mannheim

• Pitirim A. Sorokin

• William I. Thomas

• Florian Znaniecki

About the Author

Lewis A. Coser was a renowned sociologist and Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, USA. Known for his contributions to conflict theory and his work on the intersection of sociology and intellectual history, Coser brought a unique analytical lens to classical sociological thought, making complex theories accessible and contextually grounded for modern readers.