Book Details
Modern Sociological Theory (7th Edition)
[US] George Ritzer / Shanghai Culture Publishing House /October 1, 2022
"Modern Sociological Theory (7th Edition)" is a classic textbook written by American sociologist George Ritzer. This book comprehensively introduces the development process and main viewpoints of Western sociological theory. As a full Chinese translation, this book not only accurately conveys the ideological essence of the original work, but also makes it easier for Chinese readers to understand and accept. This book is broad-minded and concise, and is easy to understand. It is suitable as an excellent work for beginners in sociology. By reading this book, readers can quickly and comprehensively understand the basic concepts and theoretical systems of Western sociology, and provide important references and guidance for sociological research and practice. Whether it is a student majoring in sociology or an ordinary reader interested in sociology, this book is an indispensable desk book. In short, this book is a very valuable and practical sociological theory work, which deserves careful reading and in-depth exploration by readers.
Outline Notes
Book Summary of "Modern Sociological Theory (7th Edition)"Chapter 1: Introduction to Sociological Theory1.1 The purpose of sociological theory - Definition of theory: Provide a systematic explanation of sociological phenomena - Purpose: Establish a unified conceptual framework to understand social behavior and social structure1.2 The historical development of sociological theory - Early theory: Including thinkers of the Enlightenment such as Montesquieu, Rousseau, etc. - Classical theory: Theoretical contributions of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, etc. - Modern theory: Postmodernism, structuration theory, globalization theory, etc.1.3 Theory construction and empirical testing - Theory construction: Propose hypotheses based on observation and experience - Empirical testing: Verify the correctness of the theory by collecting dataChapter 2: Functionalist theory2.1 The origin and development of functionalism - Origin: Emile Durkheim&39;s views on collective consciousness and social cohesion - Development: Parsons&39; social system theory and Merton&39;s middle-range theory2.2 Basic concepts of functional analysis - Function: the role of social structure in maintaining the whole society - Structure: a relatively persistent and patterned network of relationships in society - Social change: the process of functional adaptation and integration2.3 Criticisms and limitations of functionalism - Ignoring conflict: ignoring social conflict and inequality - Conservative tendency: considered to be overly protective of the existing social orderChapter 3: Conflict Theory3.1 Marx&39;s class conflict theory - Foundation: labor theory of value and private ownership of the means of production - Conflict: the conflict of economic interests between capitalists and workers3.2 Weber&39;s multidimensional conflict theory - Power: unequal distribution of power is the root cause of social conflict - Authority: traditional, legitimate and charismatic forms of authority3.3 The development of modern conflict theory - Neo-Marxism: focusing on the role of culture and ideology in conflict - Feminism: emphasizing gender inequality and social conflictChapter 4: Symbolic interactionism4.1 Mead&39;s Self and Society - Symbol: The medium of communication between people, giving meaning to things - Self: Formed by the interaction between the subject and the object4.2 Blumer&39;s Symbolic Interactionism - Inductive Interpretation: People form social reality by observing and interpreting the behavior of others4.3 Goffman&39;s Performance Sociology - Front and Backstage: People&39;s role performances in different occasionsChapter 5: Structuralism and Structuralization Theory5.1 Levi-Strauss&39;s Structural Anthropology - Deep Structure: The universal principles that determine human behavior and social structure - Binary Opposition: Analyze the basic structural units of culture and society5.2 Giddens&39; Structuralization Theory - Structural Duality: Structure is both the premise and the result of action - Spatiotemporal Extension: The mutual construction of structure and actors in time and space5.3 The influence of poststructuralism - Deconstruction: The revelation of the power relations hidden behind language and textChapter 6: New Trends in Contemporary Sociological Theory6.1 The Challenge of Postmodernism - The End of Grand Narrative: Skepticism about Traditional Theory and Metanarrative - Cultural Relativism: Emphasis on the Diversity and Relativity of Culture and Knowledge6.2 Globalization and Localization - Global Society: The Impact of Economic, Political and Cultural Globalization - Local Resistance: The Response and Resistance of Local Culture and Identity to Global Processes6.3 Complexity and Computational Sociology - Complexity Science: Used to Understand Highly Complex Modern Social Phenomena - Computational Simulation: Using Computer Simulation to Analyze Social PhenomenaChapter 7: Future Outlook for Theory7.1 Interdisciplinary Integration - Interdisciplinary Research: The Cross-integration of Sociology with Other Disciplines, Such as Psychology and Economics7.2 Combination of Qualitative and Quantitative Research - Mixed Methods: Combining the Depth of Qualitative Research with the Breadth of Quantitative Research7.3 Exploration of New Theoretical Paradigms - Critical Theory: Combining Theory with Practice and Emphasizing the Possibility of Social Change
Catchy Sentences
For the book "Modern Sociological Theory (7th Edition)", I have selected the following sentences or paragraphs with profound meaning, unique perspective, beautiful language or wisdom. They are presented in the form of numbers to provide readers with professional references. 1. Sociological theory is not only a description of social phenomena, but also an exploration of its deep logic. ** Reason: This sentence profoundly summarizes the core task of sociological theory, that is, to see the essence through the phenomenon. 2. George Ritzer reminds us that sociology is not a mirror, but a scalpel. ** Reason: The metaphor is vivid and emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of sociological analysis of problems. 3. In modern society, the interaction between individuals and structures constitutes the basic framework of social action. ** Reason: It accurately captures the complex and subtle relationship between individuals and social structures in modern society. 4. Theory is a tool for thinking, not a substitute for reality. ** Reason: It clearly defines the role of theory and avoids the misunderstanding of confusing it with reality. 5. The development of sociological theory is a process of deepening human self-cognition. ** Reason: It explains the historical significance of the development of sociological theory from a macro perspective. 6. Reitzer emphasized that sociology should focus on social inequality and its root causes. ** Reason: It points out the important responsibilities of sociology in dealing with social problems. 7. Social change is not only a change in material conditions, but also a reshaping of culture and values. ** Reason: It fully and profoundly reveals the multidimensionality of social change. 8. Globalization is not only an economic integration, but also a comprehensive interaction of culture, politics and social life. ** Reason: It expands our understanding of social phenomena from the perspective of globalization. 9. In the information society, the production and dissemination of knowledge have become an important source of power. ** Reason: It keenly captures the new changes in the power structure in the information age. 10. Sociological theory is a critical weapon that helps us uncover the mystery of social phenomena. ** Reason: It highlights the criticality of sociological theory and its ability to reveal the truth. 11. Reitzer believes that sociology should be committed to explaining the complexity and diversity of social phenomena. ** Reason: It emphasizes the analytical ability of sociology when facing complex social phenomena. 12. Social stability is not static, but a new balance is sought in constant change. ** Reason: A dynamic view of social stability avoids static and rigid understanding. 13. Sociological theory should not only explain the past and present, but also foresee the future. ** Reason: The predictive function of sociological theory is proposed, showing its foresight. 14. When analyzing social problems, we cannot ignore the voices of any party, especially the vulnerable groups. ** Reason: It reflects the value orientation of sociology to pay attention to vulnerable groups and pursue social justice. 15. Reitzer's sociological theory is the inheritance and development of classical theory. It stands on the shoulders of giants and sees farther. ** Reason: It praises the historical status and innovation of Reitzer's theory. 16. Sociological theory is not a castle in the air, it must be rooted in the soil of real life. ** Reason: It emphasizes the close connection between sociological theory and real life. 17. In a diversified society, it becomes particularly important to seek consensus and understanding. ** Reason: It points out the important tasks of sociology in the context of a diversified society. 18. Sociological theory is an important tool to help us understand ourselves and others. ** Reason: The significance of sociological theory is explained from the perspective of the relationship between self and others. 19. Reitzer reminds us to maintain critical thinking when facing social problems and not be confused by superficial phenomena. ** Reason: The importance of critical thinking in sociological analysis is emphasized. 20. The development of sociological theory is an endless exploration process, which continues to deepen with the progress of society. ** Reason: Viewing sociological theory from a developmental perspective shows its characteristics of continuous progress and deepening.
Author Introduction
George Ritzer is a famous American sociologist, known for his contributions to modern sociological theory.
The following is a detailed introduction about George Ritzer: 1.
Personal basic information: George Ritzer was born in 1940 and is an American sociologist and professor.< 2.
Education and career background: Ritzer received a doctorate in sociology from Michigan State University in 1969.< After that, he served as a professor of sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park until his retirement.
3.
Writing career: Ritzer is a prolific writer, and his works cover many areas of sociology, including consumer culture, social theory, social problems, etc.< Some of his famous works include The McDonaldization of Society and The Enigma of Globalization.
4.
Work style and theme: Ritzer's works are known for critical thinking and in-depth analysis of social phenomena.< He focuses on the development trends of modern society, such as globalization, consumerism, and technological progress, and explores the impact of these trends on social structure and personal life.
5.
Personal life: There is little public information about Reitzel's personal life.< However, his academic achievements and contributions to the field of sociology make him a prominent figure in the field.
6.
Social influence: Reitzel's theories have had a profound impact on sociologists, researchers, and students.< His works are widely cited and have sparked discussions about modern social issues in academia and the public sphere.
7.
Citations and evaluations: Authoritative media and experts generally have positive evaluations of Reitzel.< For example, Times Higher Education lists him as one of the top scholars in the field of sociology.
In addition, his book The McDonaldization of Society is considered a classic in the study of consumer culture.< 8.
Recent developments: Although Reitzel has retired, he is still active in academia and continues to publish articles and participate in academic conferences.< His research and views continue to have an impact on the field of sociology.
In short, George Reitzel is an outstanding sociologist who is widely recognized for his contributions to modern sociological theory.< His works and theories have had a profound impact on sociologists, researchers and students, and have sparked discussions on modern social issues in academia and the public sphere.
More Recommended Notes
Human nature
Author: [British] DW Winnicott
Abstract of "Human Nature": This book, written by British psychologist Winnicott, explores in depth the transitional objects and transitional phenomena in the process of individual psychological development and growth. Winnicott emphasized that these transitional elements, such as transitional politeness, play a vital role in human psychological construction and emotional support. They help individuals gradually transition from a state of complete dependence on the outside world to independence, laying a solid foundation for human psychological maturity and stability. Through the study of these phenomena, we can have a deeper understanding of human emotional needs, psychological development laws, and ways of interacting with the outside world, thereby providing more effective support and guidance for people's mental health growth. Since its first publication in 1971, this book has been an important work in the field of psychology and has extremely high reference value for researchers and practitioners.
Hegel is with us: New Essays on Hegel's Philosophy
Author: Zhang Rulun et al.
The book "Hegel is with us" takes Hegel's philosophy as the research object, and reveals the connotation and significance of Hegel's philosophy to readers in an easy-to-understand way. As an important milestone in the history of Western philosophy, Hegel's philosophy is profound and enlightening, and is of great significance for understanding the relationship between classical philosophy and modern philosophy. This book not only deeply analyzes the core concepts of Hegel's philosophy, but also combines it with the current social reality to show the contemporary value of Hegel's philosophy. By reading this book, readers can better understand the essence of Hegel's philosophy, and then grasp its importance and application value in contemporary society. This book is suitable for readers who are interested in philosophy, and can also be used as a reference book for students majoring in philosophy.
Detective's Sacrifice: The People's Church Murder Case
Author: [Japan] Shirai Tomoyuki
"The Sacrifice of the Detective: The People's Church Murder Case" is a mystery novel written by Japanese writer Tomoyuki Shirai. This book is adapted from the "People's Temple" tragedy that shocked the world, and deeply analyzes the truth behind the collective suicide of more than 900 people. The author brings readers into a world full of suspense and horror through meticulous descriptions and careful reasoning. In the story, the famous detective uncovers the more intricate truth behind the incident with extraordinary wisdom and courage, presenting readers with a thrilling reasoning process. This book is not only a reproduction of the original incident, but also a profound reflection on human nature, allowing readers to think about many problems in human society while enjoying the fun of reasoning.
Self-Control: Stanford University's Popular Psychology Course (4 Millionth Anniversary Edition) : Stanford University's Popular Psychology Course
Author: Kelly McGonigal
The book "Self-Control: Stanford University's Popular Psychology Course" was written by American psychologist Kelly McGonigal and is a popular psychology course textbook at Stanford University. This book aims to help readers understand the nature and role of self-control and master the methods and techniques to improve self-control. Through this book, readers can learn how to better control their attention, emotions, and behaviors, so as to achieve better results in work and life. The book also introduces the relationship between self-control and factors such as willpower, pressure, and temptation, as well as how to deal with the failure of self-control. The language of this book is concise and clear, and the cases are rich and vivid. It is a practical and easy-to-understand psychology book suitable for readers to read and learn. By reading this book, readers can improve their level of self-control, better cope with challenges and difficulties, and achieve self-growth and improvement.
Christian Life
Author: [French] John Calvin, Sun Yi
The book "The Christian Life" was selected and edited by John Calvin and Sun Yi of France. It deeply expounds on the three core characteristics of Christian life. The book emphasizes that self-denial is the basic starting point of Christian life, reflecting the believers' abandonment of worldly desires and obedience to God's will; carrying the cross is the basic practice of Christian life, symbolizing that believers bravely bear suffering and sins and pursue spiritual sublimation; meditating on eternity becomes the spiritual sustenance of Christian life, guiding believers to transcend the present world and think about the eternal meaning of life. These three characteristics together constitute the unique appearance of Christian life and provide believers with a path to spiritual growth and deepening of faith. By reading this book, readers can have a deeper understanding of the connotation and value of Christian life, thereby providing useful reference and inspiration for their own faith life.
