Description
Book SynopsisConstructing Social Theory discusses the nature of social theory and theoretical orientations. Organized by forty-three theoretical orientations in seven domainsexchange, power, adaptation/reinforcement, social bond, altruism, functionalism, and identitythe text includes a tutorial on how to identify an appropriate theoretical orientation and create a theory given a particular research question. Bell separates the theoretical orientation of causal logic from theory itself, illuminating the mechanisms of scientific revolutions where new theoretical orientations are created, and the procedures of normal science, in which theories are developed using the logic of existing theoretical orientations.
Trade ReviewThis book provides a near groundbreaking approach to conceptualizing and constructing social theory. While Bell builds upon what others have contributed in this area, he also critiques their work and proposes alternatives. He shows an excellent understanding of major issues in the philosophy of science as they relate to social theory construction. The book is very well referenced and so will be especially valuable to those who want to pursue the subject futher. * Teaching Sociology, October 2009 *
This book provides a near groundbreaking approach to conceptualizing and constructing social theory. While Bell builds upon what others have contributed in this area, he also critiques their work and proposes alternatives. He shows an excellent understanding of major issues in the philosophy of science as they relate to social theory construction. The book is very well referenced and so will be especially valuable to those who want to pursue the subject further. * Teaching Sociology, October 2009 *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Part 1: Explanatory Logics Chapter 2 Chapter 1: Sociology, Science and Applied Theory Chapter 3 Chapter 2: Theoretical Systems Chapter 4 Chapter 3: The Refinement of Theoretical Systems Chapter 5 Chapter 4: Creating Theory: The Art of Normal Science Chapter 6 Part 2: Action Theoretical Orientations Chapter 7 Chapter 5: Action Theoretical Orientations Chapter 8 Chapter 6: Social Systems and Social Structure Chapter 9 Chapter 7: Self Interest: Exchange Chapter 10 Chapter 8: Self Interest: Power Chapter 11 Chapter 9: Self Interest: Adaptation Chapter 12 Chapter 10: Relationships: Social Bond Chapter 13 Chapter 11: Relationships: Altruism Chapter 14 Part 3: Auxiliary Theoretical Orientations Chapter 15 Chapter 12: Auxiliary Logic: Function Chapter 16 Chapter 13: Auxiliary Logic: Identity Chapter 17 Part 4: Theories Chapter 18 Chapter 14: Action Theories of Parental Nurturance Chapter 19 Part 5: Evaluation Chapter 20 Chapter 15: The Sociology of Sociological Theory
