Capitalism and Classical Sociological Theory

Most texts on classical sociological theory offer exhaustive coverage of all possible theorists from the classical period, making it difficult to use the book in one-semester courses. Capitalism and Classical Sociological Theory represents a departure from most texts in that it offers depth of coverage of the most significant contributions to classical theory. The classical triumvirate (Marx, Durkehim, and Weber) is given balanced treatment, along with Simmel and four early women theorists. The result is a concise, but thorough, examination of the key classical theorists, making it the perfect length for a one-semester course.The book also includes extended passages from original texts so students can engage with the writings as they were first published. The authors also make every effort to talk about the social shaping of theory and its continuities and discontinuities over time. Theory is situated historically but the legacy of classical theory and its evidence in contemporary twenty-first-century capitalism is also made clear. For instructors, this book offers flexibility and a text that fits well with a one-semester course. For students, it offers an affordable but strong analysis of classical theory.