Download or read book New Directions in Contemporary Sociological Theory written by Joseph Berger and published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. This book was released on 2002-07-31 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written by eminent sociologists, this book introduces and assesses some of the most influential, recent sociological theories. Each chapter explains the theory and describes a related program of empirical research. Chapters are authored by the actual founders (and/or leading exponents) of these theoretical programs; many chapters contain a description of the inception, growth, and present status of the theoretical program. The book covers a broad range of sociological concerns, from the investigation of power and status processes, to social movements and revolutions, to organizational and institutional structures, to world system analysis. Accessibly written for a wide sociological audience, this book is an invaluable introduction for undergraduates and graduates to sociology's most important theoretical advances.