An Invitation to Social Theory

List of Figures and Tables vi

Introduction: Extending an Invitation 1

1 Classical Paradigms 13

2 Functionalist and Systems Theory Paradigms 38

3 Marxist and Critical Theory Paradigms 62

4 Phenomenological Paradigms 86

5 The Symbolic Interactionist Paradigm 107

6 Rational Choice and Exchange Theory Paradigms 129

7 The Process Sociological Paradigm 150

8 Structuralist and Post-Structuralist Paradigms 165

9 Post-Modernist Paradigms 189

10 Structurationist Paradigms 208

11 Feminist Paradigms 235

12 Globalization Paradigms 258

Conclusion: The Development of Social Theory in 13 Points 282

References 286

Index 310