This introduction to contemporary sociological theory begins with a synopsis of the formative years of sociological theory and goes on to look at modern theory, beginning with the full development of structural functionalism and culminating in a discussion of the new syntheses in sociological theory. The book provides comprehensive coverage of the work and lives of the major sociological theorists, including Comte, Spencer, Mead, Schutz and Parsons, with biogaphical sketches on each.