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Designed to help students discover and foster a natural interest in sociology, The Story of Sociological Theory: Contextualizing Social Thinkers introduces students to key sociological concepts and theories in a highly approachable way.

The opening chapter defines sociology, explains why we study sociology, and presents a brief history of social theory. Each proceeding chapter focuses on a general theme and provides readers with the context and ideas from influential thinkers. Students read about the works of Herbert Spencer, William Graham Sumner, and Ludwig Gumplowicz related to the interplay of genetics and sociology. They engage with Max Weber’s ideas surrounding verstehen, Charles Ellwood’s thoughts on group behavior, and Karl Marx’s Theory of Change. Additional chapters address feminist theory, postmodernism, and poststructuralism. Throughout the book, chapter introductions, comprehension questions, critical thinking questions, summaries, and recommended reading lists provide valuable context, enrich the learning experience, and encourage further exploration of the subject matter.

The Story of Sociological Theory provides students with an accessible introduction to the discipline and also effectively demonstrates how sociological thought is woven into our everyday lives. The text is an excellent resource for undergraduate programs and courses in sociology and sociological theory.