RETHINKING SOCIOLOGY: A Critique of Contemporary Theory

Book Details

• Author: Irving M. Zeitlin

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition/Publication Year: 2015

• ISBN: 9788170330417

• Pages: 272

• Cover: Hardback

• Sale Territory: India

About the Book

This book is widely regarded as one of the most influential works on sociological theory, offering a detailed and systematic exploration of contemporary sociological thought. The author, Irving M. Zeitlin, organizes the main theoretical currents of sociology into five major themes:

1. Functionalism

2. Social Exchange Theory

3. Conflict Theory

4. Phenomenology

5. Symbolic Interaction

Each section provides a comprehensive account of the core ideas, strengths, and limitations of these theoretical approaches. What sets this book apart is Zeitlin’s innovative formulation of the Marx-Weber model, synthesizing the theories and methodologies of Karl Marx and Max Weber to highlight the significance of structural explanations in understanding social reality.

The book goes beyond traditional frameworks by integrating social psychological insights, emphasizing the role of phenomenology, ethnomethodology, and symbolic interactionism in sociological analysis. Zeitlin’s discussions of Mead, Marcuse, Freud, and Goffman demonstrate a dialectical approach that bridges classical and modern sociological thought, providing readers with a holistic understanding of human interaction and social structures.

By challenging conventional theories and seeking a synthesis between Marx, Weber, Mead, and Freud, this book compels students and scholars to think critically and explore sociology from a fresh perspective. It is an indispensable resource for students of sociology, social theory, and philosophy, as well as for those seeking to understand the evolving landscape of social thought.