Now with SAGE Publishing, and co-authored by one of the foremost authorities on sociological theory, George Ritzer and Jeffrey Stepnisky’s Classical Sociological Theory, Seventh Edition, provides a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought from the Enlightenment roots of theory through the early 20th century. The integration of key theories with biographical sketches of theorists and the requisite historical and intellectual context helps students to better understand the original works of classical authors as well as to compare and contrast classical theories.

New to this Edition

· In Ch. 1, Colonialism is now discussed as a major social force in development of modern society.

· In Ch. 2, there is an expanded discussion of the historical significance of Early Women Founders and the contributions of W.E.B. Du Bois.

· The chapter on Du Bois (Ch. 9) includes new material about his intellectual influences.

· New contemporary commentary about Durkheim has been added to Ch. 7.

· Ch. 9 includes new material from recently translated later writings of George Simmel, providing new context for his overall theory.

· Addition of Historical Context boxes throughout text.

· Sections on contemporary applications of classical theory have been added to each chapter.