Social theory: a reader

Covering a wide area of political sociology and social and political theory, this reader offers a selection of extracts incorporating both primary and secondary readings. As well as a general introduction to the concept of social theory, each section is prefaced by an introduction to the relevant theorist(s) and each reading is accompanied by a short explanatory introduction.

pt. 1. Marx and Engels: conflict and dissent. Preface to A contribution to the critique of political economy / Karl Marx ; From The fetishism of the commodity and its secrets / Karl Marx ; From The communist manifesto / Karl Marz and Friedrich Engels ; From The eighteenth brumaire of Louis Bonaparte / Karl Marx ; From Economic and philosophical manuscripts / Karl Marx ; Recent theories of the capitalist state / Bob Jessop -- pt. 2. Gramsci: theorist of hegemony. The modern prince: brief notes on Machiavelli's politics / Antonio Gramsci ; The modern prince: analysis of situations. Relations of force / Antonio Gramsci ; From State and civil society / Antonio Gramsci ; The intellectuals / Antonio Gramsci ; From Americanism and Fordism / Antonio Gramsci -- pt. 3. Durkheim and functionalism. From The elementary forms of the religious life / Emile Durkheim ; From The division of labour in society / Emile Durkheim ; From Suicide / Emile Durkheim -- pt. 4. Weber and rationalism. From Politics as a vocation / Max Weber ; From Bureaucracy / Max Weber ; Class, status, party / Max Weber ; Without regard for persons / Derek Sayer -- pt. 5. Culture and communication in the Frankfurt School. Fro…