Theories and theorists
What are sociological theories?
Sometimes you need to understand the basics of a theory before you can do more in-depth research.
This video explores what a theory is and looks at three major sociological theoretical frameworks: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.
Video length: 13 min, 10 sec
Introductory works
Explore the Library collection to find introductory information about relevant theories that apply to your research. Handbooks, encyclopedias and other introductory works can be useful starting points.
Here are a few examples:
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The Cambridge Handbook of Social Theory
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Publication Date: 2020A two-volume handbook of social theory consisting of forty original contributions providing a comprehensive panorama of sociology. -
Contemporary Social Theory
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Publication Date: 2021A comprehensive introduction examining social theory’s major theoretical traditions, including the Frankfurt School, posthumanism, feminism, post-structuralism, and more. -
Introduction to Contemporary Social Theory
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Publication Date: 2022Explores the major theoretical traditions in contemporary social theory from the Frankfurt School to the digital revolution and beyond. -
Introduction to Sociological Theory
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Publication Date: 2019Combines primary quotes with commentary and illustrative examples for an in-depth introduction to classical and contemporary sociological theory. -
Social Theory
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Publication Date: 2021A thematic introduction to social theory that explores theoretical issues in their contemporary social contexts.
Theorists and theories
Sociology has been influenced by a number of theorists and theoretical frameworks throughout its development.
Here are some works introducing several key theorists and their impact on sociology:
Auguste Comte
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Auguste Comte
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Publication Date: 2017Comte is widely acknowledged as the founder of the science of sociology. In this reassessment, Mike Gane examines the birth of sociology and Comte's contributions to the discipline.
Emile Durkheim
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Individual and Society
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Publication Date: 2024Delves into the writings of Durkheim and discusses his methodological rules for studying 'social facts' like the division of labour, education, political society, state, religion, secular morality, socialism, and suicide.
Karl Marx
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Marx's Wager
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Publication Date: 2022Explores the interconnections between Marx and various classical sociological thinkers, including Comte, Durkheim, Spencer, Weber, and others.
Herbert Spencer
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Herbert Spencer and the Invention of Modern Life
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Publication Date: 2014This biography explores the life and works of Spencer. His works and impact on sociology are explored in a large portion of the book.
Max Weber
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The Age of Capitalism and Bureaucracy
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Publication Date: 2021Explains the basic concepts underlying Weber's worldview, and explores the historical, social, and intellectual contexts in which he operated.
More theorists
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Contemporary Sociological Thinkers and Theories
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Publication Date: 2018A overview of the major theoretical perspectives in contemporary sociology, covering different schools of thought and the work of individual scholars. -
Fifty Key Sociologists
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Publication Date: 2007Explores the life, work, ideas and impact of some of the most important thinkers in this discipline, focusing on figures from the second half of the twentieth century.
