Classical social theory : a contemporary approach / Kenneth H. Tucker, Jr.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Pt. I. The Social and Intellectual Context of Classical Social Theory. 1. The World of Classical Social Theory. 2. From the Enlightenment to Nietzsche: Science, Republicanism, and Identity -- Pt. II. Social Science and the Canon: Marx, Durkheim, and Weber. 3. Marx: Modernity and Capitalism. 4. Durkheim: Modernity and Social Solidarity. 5. Weber: Modernity and Rationalization -- Pt. III. Rethinking and Expanding the Canon. 6. Freud, Simmel, and Mead: Aesthetics, the Unconscious, and the Fluid Self. 7. Du Bois and Perkins Gilman: Race, Gender, and Cultural Identity.

"In this text Kenneth Tucker explores the contemporary relevance of classical sociological theory. He examines the work of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim through the lens of new theoretical issues, such as the role of Empire, the problem of cultural differences, and the possibilities of democracy implicit in each theorist's perspective." "While Tucker summarizes each theorist's major ideas, he is most concerned with contemporary issues: what should be retained and what should be jettisoned from each theorist in order to discern today's world in light of a growing awareness of cultural identities and social differences. This leads to a discussion of how the sociological tradition can be understood in new ways, and includes the contributions of other theorists such as Freud, Simmel, Nietzsche, Perkins Gilman, and Du Bois. In authoritative and accessible prose, Tucker outlines new directions of classical theory in a late modern or postmodern world."--BOOK JACKET.