Science of Society (RLE Social Theory)

<p>Two main criteria have guided the selection and presentation of the material for this text-book. Firstly there is the claim that sociology is a science. Throughout the emphasis has been on presenting sociological perspectives rather than conveying a mass of factual information. Science is essentially analytical. And sociology if it is to justify its claim to be a science must be more than simply 'political arithmetic' counting heads and providing demographic data for governments. Secondly science like other intellectual activities can be exciting. The emphasis throughout is on the sociological study of industrial society with particular reference to modern England. After an introductory discussion of sociological perspectives there are chapters on each of the major sub-systems of society; the family the educational system the economy the political system and belief systems. The book ends with three chapters on major social processes: social differentiation and stratification organization and finally social change including a discussion of deviancy and disorganization.</p>