The Art of Sociological Argument [Hardcover]

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.

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.

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.Fresh approach to theory which doesn't get bogged down in isms or heavy schematisation
Gives a sense of sociology as an active debate which anyone can join
Gives a real flavour of the character of the writers, their writing style and main themes
Offers students clear contrasts and parallels between writers in a clear and easy structure