Foundations of Social Theory Paperback / softback
by James Coleman
Paperback / softback
- Information
Description
Combining principles of individual rational choice with a sociological conception of collective action, James Coleman recasts social theory in a bold new way.
The result is a landmark in sociological theory, capable of describing both stability and change in social systems. This book provides for the first time a sound theoretical foundation for linking the behavior of individuals to organizational behavior and then to society as a whole.
The power of the theory is especially apparent when Coleman analyzes corporate actors, such as large corporations and trade unions.
He examines the creation of these institutions, collective decision making, and the processes through which authority is revoked in revolts and revolutions. Coleman discusses the problems of holding institutions responsible for their actions as well as their incompatibility with the family.
He also provides a simple mathematical analysis corresponding to and carrying further the verbal formulations of the theory.
Finally, he generates research techniques that will permit quantitative testing of the theory. From a simple, unified conceptual structure Coleman derives, through elegant chains of reasoning, an encompassing theory of society.
It promises to be the most important contribution to social theory since the publication of Talcott Parsons' Structure of Social Action in 1936.
Information
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In Stock - low on stock, only 1 copy remainingFree UK DeliveryEstimated delivery 2-3 working days
- Format:Paperback / softback
- Pages:1014 pages, 91 line illustrations, 76 tables
- Publisher:Harvard University Press
- Publication Date:19/08/1998
- Category:
- ISBN:9780674312265
Information
-
In Stock - low on stock, only 1 copy remainingFree UK DeliveryEstimated delivery 2-3 working days
- Format:Paperback / softback
- Pages:1014 pages, 91 line illustrations, 76 tables
- Publisher:Harvard University Press
- Publication Date:19/08/1998
- Category:
- ISBN:9780674312265