New Directions in Contemporary Sociological Theory

This book introduces some of the most influential recent sociological theories, each covered in an essay written by the theory's founder or by a leading exponent. Presented in nontechnical language, each essay reviews the key positions and supporting research; many incorporate discussion of critical or opposing positions. This unique book serves as an invaluable advanced introduction or review for graduate or upper-level students who want to gain an understanding of important theoretical advances.

Written by eminent sociologists, this book introduces and assesses some of the most influential, recent sociological theories. Each chapter explains the theory and describes a related program of empirical research. Chapters are authored by the actual founders (and/or leading exponents) of these theoretical programs; many chapters contain a description of the inception, growth, and present status of the theoretical program. The book covers a broad range of sociological concerns, from the investigation of power and status processes, to social movements and revolutions, to organizational and institutional structures, to world system analysis. Accessibly written for a wide sociological audience, this book is an invaluable introduction for undergraduates and graduates to sociology's most important theoretical advances.

Part 1 Part I. Introduction
Chapter 2 Theory Programs, Teaching Theory, and Contemporary Theories
Part 3 Part II. Affect and Status
Chapter 4 Understanding Social Interaction with Affect Control Theory
Chapter 5 Expectation States Theory: An Evolving Research Program
Part 6 Part III. Norms, Exchange, and Networks
Chapter 7 From the Emergence of Norms to Aids Prevention and the Analysis of Social Structure
Chapter 8 Network Exchange Theory, by
David Willer, Henry Walker, Barry Markovsky, Robb Willer, Michael Lovaglia, Shane Thye, and Brent Simpson
Part 9 Part IV. Social Movements and Revolutions
Chapter 10 The Resource Mobilization Research Program: Progress, Challenge, and Transformation
Chapter 11 Recent Developments in Critical Mass Theory
Chapter 12 Theory Development in the Study of Revolutions
Part 13 Part V. Institutional Structures
Chapter 14 The Development and Application of Sociological Neo-Institutionalism
Chapter 15 The Selectorate Model: A Theory of Political Institutions
Part 16 Part VI. Theory Construction and Theory Integration
Chapter 17 Theoretical Integration and Generative Structuralism
Chapter 18 Seven Secrets for Doing Theory
Part 19 Part VII. Reflections on Careers in Theory
Chapter 20 Reflections on a Career as a Theorist
Chapter 21 The Itinerary of World-Systems Analysis, or How to Resist Becoming a Theory