1st Edition

Key Quotations in Sociology

By Prof Kenneth Thompson, Ken Thompson Copyright 1996

    Jean Baudrillard on consumption: `It is not defined by the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the car we drive ... but in the organization of all this as signifying substance ... Consumption, in so far as it is meaningful, is a systematic act of the manipulation of signs.' Auguste Comte on science and sociology: `From science comes prevision; from prevision comes action (Savoir pour prevoir et prevoir pour pouvoir).' Emile Durkheim on suicide: `If religion protects a man from the desire to kill himself, it is not because it preaches respect for his person based on arguments sui generis, but because it is a society ...' Do you have any difficulty in finding a relevant quotation for an essay or exam paper in sociology? If so this useful little book, which contains a core of essential quotations for anyone interested in sociology, will provide you with all you need. Quotations are taken from the classic texts of the so-called Founding Fathers, the writings of more recent influential figures, and the most authoritative experts in special fields. The book is divided into two fully cross-referenced parts: Key Concepts and Topics and Key Sociologists.

    Preface, Acknowledgements, Part 1 Key concepts and topics Part 2 Key sociological thinkers Name index, Subject index

    Biography

    Kenneth Thompson is Professor in Sociology at the Open University.