Durkheim and Modern Sociology

by Steve Fenton

Overview

The works of Emile Durkheim have had an enormous influence on sociology. This book provides, first, a clearly written introduction to Durkheim's major works, looking at each of the major fields to which he contributed. Secondly, it examines the ways in which Durkheim has continued to provide inspiration in a variety of areas within sociology. It therefore focuses closely on live issues within the subject and shows the continuing relevance of Durkheim's work to issues of topical concern, such as the division of labour and class conflict, the state, race, education, law and deviance and religion. Thirdly, it provides an assessment of the interpretations of Durkheim as a 'radical' thinker, in contrast to the view of him as fundamentally conservative. It will provide a valuable introduction to students of one of sociology's founding fathers and will be of interest to those interested in sociology as a whole for its assessment of the contemporary relevance of Durkheim's thought for major issues.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521277631
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/19/1984
Pages:	284
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.63(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Durkheim's life, public career and sociological thought; 2. The division of labour, class conflict and social solidarity; 3. Political power, democracy and the modern state; 4. Race and society: primitive and modern; 5. The sociology of education: discipline and moral autonomy; 6. Crime, law and deviance: the Durkheim legacy Robert Reiner; 7. Durkheim and the study of religion Ian Hamnett; 8. Assessing Durkheim: classical sociology and modern society; Notes; Bibliography; Selected reading; Index.