Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World
With his major work Economy and Society (1921/22), Max Weber created a foundational text of modern sociology that remains one of the central reference points for sociological theory today. Published posthumously and edited by Marianne Weber and other students based on his lectures and manuscripts, it offers a comprehensive system of categories for analyzing social
Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste (La Distinction, 1979) is one of the most influential sociological works of the 20th century. Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of social inequality continues to shape sociology today, especially the analysis of social class, mobility, and the reproduction of power relations. The book is based on an extensive
This section presents key works in criminology that go beyond classical theories of crime. The selected texts are theoretically rich, interdisciplinary, and have had a lasting impact on criminological debate. They cover central themes such as social control, criminal law, policing, surveillance, social inequality, and deviant identities. Classics & Foundational Texts in Criminology W. E.
Introduction Sociology is an empirical and theoretical discipline. In addition to its applied topics and theories (presented here), the field is also defined by its engagement with foundational theoretical perspectives. The works collected below can be considered key works of sociology. Spanning over 150 years of theory-building, these texts are considered classics: they have been
Émile Durkheim (1858–1917) is considered one of the founding figures of modern sociology. In his seminal work The Division of Labour in Society (De la division du travail social, 1893), he examines how social order and cohesion are maintained in complex societies. His central thesis: while traditional societies are held together by mechanical solidarity, modern
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is one of the most influential political and social theory texts of modern times. Published in February 1848, it serves as a programmatic text, a theoretical foundation, and a political call to action all at once. With its concise analysis of class struggle and sharp critique