The Art of Sociological Argument

by Graham Crow

Overview

This book explores the ways in which sociological arguments are constructed and presented, looking at what can be learned from the contrasting styles of sociologists working in different periods and theoretical traditions. Fundamental debates in the discipline are addressed, such as 'can sociology provide final answers?' and 'how far is detachment feasible or desirable?'. Finally, the book considers the practical significance which thinking about styles of argument has for all students of sociology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333778449
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/01/2005
Edition description:	2005
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

GRAHAM CROW is Reader in Sociology at the University of Southampton, UK. He is widely published and is the author of Comparative Sociology and Social Theory and Social Solidarities amongst other books. His research interests include sociological theory, comparative sociology and the sociology of families and communities.
GRAHAM CROW is Reader in Sociology at the University of Southampton, UK. He is widely published and is the author of Comparative Sociology and Social Theory and Social Solidarities amongst other books. His research interests include sociological theory, comparative sociology and the sociology of families and communities.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction: The Importance of Sociological Argument
Karl Marx: Sociology as Radical Criticism
Emile Durkheim: Sociology as the Identification of Social Facts
Max Weber: Sociology as the Science of Interpretive Understanding
Talcott Parsons: Sociology as Systematic Reflection
Charles Wright Mills: Sociology as an Imaginative Craft
Erving Goffman: Sociology as an Eye for Detail
Michel Foucault: Sociology as Shocking
Ann Oakley: Sociology as Emancipation
Conclusion
Bibliography.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

A lively comparison of the contrasting argumentative styles of key sociologists that should also appeal to both teachers and students as a novel introductory social theory text.' - David Jary, Visiting Research Professor, The Open University

'This excellent and refreshing book presents sociology as a dynamic undertaking, encouraging its student readers to think of themselves as participants in the debate. Bringing classical and contemporary theory together in an exemplary fashion, it deserves a wide and receptive audience.' - Professor John Holmwood, University of Sussex