Four Sociological Traditions - Softcover

`A neat and clear introduction to the sociological traditions which will provide a cojent structure of reading for first year undergraduates.'Stephen McCorry, University of Plymouth

`Excellent overview of sociological traditions - will really help people starting out in the subject.'Clive Seale, Goldsmiths College, University of London

`It reads well and is not too intimidating in its style of expression. I liked the book and imagine students would, too. Any book that is well-structured, not over-ambitious, and explains clearly is to be welcomed.'Peter Lynam, South Bank University

`Contains essential focus, is easy to follow and access.'A. Ducklin, Moray House Institute of Education

`A solid introductory account of the principal sociological theories.'Barry Goldson, University of Liverpool

A very welcome text ... in many ways more integrated than most theory texts ... I highly recommend this book as a supplement to theory courses. As a broad overview, it will be a most useful addition to the syllabus. Further, the text is exceedingly well written ... The tone of Four Sociological Traditions is highly optimistic and, I feel, helps to foster excitement for the subject. This is a fresh and much needed text. (Sociology)

Organized along the same lines as Three Sociological Traditions, Four Sociological Traditions is Randall Collins' updated guide to the development of modern sociology. Explaining in a brief, readable format the 4 main schools of sociological thought, this book represents a concise intellectual history of the development of sociology.

Widely adopted as either a main or supplemental text, Four Sociological Traditions presents clearly the conflict tradition of Marx and Weber, the ritual solidarity tradition of Durkheim, and the microinteractionist tradition of Mead, Blumer, and Garfinkel, and - new in this edition - the rational choice/utilitarian tradition.

One of the most lively and exciting writers in sociology, Randall Collins introduces students to the roots of social theory, indicating areas where progress has been made in our understanding, as well as those areas where controversy still exists. Students will find Four Sociological Traditions a fresh, thorough, and thought-provoking examination.