Social Theory: The Multicultural And Classic Readings

by Charles Lemert (Editor)

This first truly multicultural anthology collects important, readable texts representative of the full range of social theory as it has developed from the nineteenth century to the present. It brings texts together in unexpected and exciting those of Parsons and Dorothy Smith, Merton and Lacan, Wallerstein and Frantz Fanon, James Coleman and Molefi Asante. Extensive introductory essays by the editor situate the writings in their times, identifying the currents of social change that shaped fundamental questions of modern and postmodern life. The second edition includes new readings, a new section covering the postmodern controversies of recent years, and a postscript that addresses the changes and directions in social theory.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction, Psychology, Philosophy, Theory, Grad School, Social Science

688 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Charles Lemert (born 1937) is an American born social theorist and sociologist. Charles Lemert is University Professor and John C Andrus Professor of Social Theory Emeritus at Wesleyan University and Senior Fellow of the Center for Comparative Research at Yale University. He is the author and editor of many books.

Reviews

[Lesha F.]

I wish I had more time so I could read more of this.

[Simone]

Since I spend all my time reading the past few weeks reading this for class, and I read every word it gets to count for my yearly total. Will anyone read this tome if not assigned? No. This has a lot of essays in it, but sometimes oddly abridged ones. Like a random three page section of "Epistemology of the Closet." I'm a big fan of original texts, but I think people should be reading more complete versions. Still, I like social theory. /shrug.

[Wally]

This is a great review of social thought, with insightful additions by Dr. Lemert.

[Daniel]

no German Ideology :/

[Rose]

I used this book for a Social Sciences course I took at ASU. It was great! It has a lot of key pieces from the history of social theory and good intros to all the works.

[Michael]

This superb desk-reference o' theory has served me in great stead over the years in getting ideas for finding a fertile theoretical angle with which to attack anthropology papers and fieldwork.

[Caitie]

Best textbook I've ever read. I keep it with me like a bible.