Industrializing America: Understanding Contemporary Society Through Classical Sociological Analysis

By Frank W. Elwell

Book Overview

An analysis of any part of the social system must be firmly rooted in a framework that outlines the whole system and the interrelationships of the various parts. Building on classical social theory, this volume proposes an original and comprehensive systems theory of sociocultural stability and change, which combines fundamental ecological relationships with social structures and culture. Relationships and concepts developed by Marx, Weber, Malthus, Spencer, and Durkheim are explained and synthesized into a coherent perspective, which is used to examine multiple institutions in modern industrial societies.

The author argues that recent changes in the economy, the family, higher education, the political system, cultural ideas, and ideologies are interrelated and rooted in massive changes in population size and industrial processes. By systematically relating the analysis of these sociocultural phenomena to the whole and to one another this volume presents a framework that can serve to organize and integrate many diverse theories, insights, and much empirical information into a comprehensive worldview.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0275965643
• ISBN13: 9780275965648
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Praeger
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Sociocultural Materialism Rules

The title to this book is somewhat misleading. It is not about the Industrial Revolution as recounted in the history texts, but about the IR that is transforming America today. This book examines the costs of hyper-industrialism on such institutions as family, community, political campaigning, agriculture and higher education. It really brings social theory alive.

Sociocultural Materialism at its Best

Elwell writes with clear and concise prose, which makes his interesting subject of modern American society incredibly interesting. One of the finest explanations of sociocultural materialist theory and classic social theory (a la Weber, Marx) as they relate to everyday issues. A great effort. Marvin Harris would be proud