CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES

Book Details

• Author: J.P. Singh

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2021

• ISBN: 9788131612088

• Pages: 386

• Cover: Hardcover

• Release Date: 30-08-2021

About the Book

This scholarly volume presents an insightful journey through the evolution of sociological thought, tracing the development of sociology as an autonomous discipline from the mid-19th century to the present day. Beginning with the roots of social philosophy in France, the book explores the gradual transformation of sociology into a foundational social science by the 20th century.

Designed to cater to a wide readership—from undergraduate students and research scholars to advanced-level practitioners and intellectually curious readers—the book delivers a clear, critical introduction to the field. It offers diverse perspectives, covering both classical and contemporary theories, while recognizing their interconnections, contrasts, and contributions to our understanding of the social world.

The book comprises in-depth discussions on major sociological paradigms, including Positivism, Functionalism, Marxism, Symbolic Interactionism, Phenomenology, Structuralism, Postmodernism, and more. Additionally, it delves into interdisciplinary relevance, linking sociological theories with anthropology, economics, political science, and history. This makes it a valuable academic resource and a compelling read for anyone seeking clarity on modern and postmodern sociological trends.

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

J.P. Singh is a distinguished academic and lexicographer with a rich background in sociology and demography. He holds an MA from Patna University, MPhil from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, and a PhD from the Australian National University, Canberra. Over the course of his career, he has served as Associate Professor at TISS, Mumbai; Director of Higher Education, Government of Bihar; and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Sociology at Patna University. He has also been affiliated with the Population Institute at East-West Center, Hawaii, as a Professional Associate.

A prolific author, J.P. Singh has contributed numerous research papers to national and international journals. His notable lexicographic works include Samaj Vigyan Vishwakosh (2009), Manavshastra Shabdakosh (2019), and A Comprehensive Dictionary of Sociology (2021).