Modern Sociology: Introductory Readings

by Peter Worsley (Editor)

A companion volume to "New Introducing Sociology", this is a new collection of excerpts from articles and books selected by sociologists who are themselves leading authorities in their fields. The book begins with an overview of the different conceptions of sociology from the classic writings of Durkheim, Marx and Weber through to modern theorists such as Wirth, Goffman and Garfinkel, the assumptions underlying those theories and the very varied methods they entail, from ethnography to statistical methods of inquiry. The main emphasis, however, is upon recent research into modern industrial its emergence and spread across the globe, the growth of urbanism and the development of classes, and the position of women and of ethnic minorities. The links between the social order and the educational system, and the ways in which social relations affect health are examined, together with the tensions of contemporary society that result in criminal and deviant behaviour. The book concludes with an examination of the major theoretical schools that dominate modern sociology.

Genres: Sociology

511 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Peter Maurice Worsley is a noted sociologist and social anthropologist from Birkenhead, UK.
He is a major figure in both anthropology and sociology, and is noted for introducing the term "Third World" into English. He not only made theoretical and ethnographic contributions, but also was regarded as a key founding member of the New Left.

Worsley started reading English at Cambridge but his studies were interrupted by World War II. He served in the British Army as an officer in Africa and India. During this time he developed his interest in anthropology. After the war he worked on mass education in Tanganyika and then went to study under Max Gluckman at the University of Manchester.

He lectured in sociology at the University of Hull and then went on c.1963 to become the first Professor of Sociology at the University of Manchester.