"In a reassessment of the field, Shilling and Mellor examine the various attempts that have been made to reconstruct sociology over the last century, arguing that classical and contemporary social theories must be studied in relation to the ambition that first shaped and established the discipline." "The authors begin by situating sociology in its historical, philosophical and theological contexts; examining how the founders of the discipline developed competing analyses of the processes elementary to social and moral life through their unique contributions. Individual chapters examine 'Human', 'Sacred', 'Tragic', 'Heroic' and 'Normative' sociology. Post-classical thought and the attempted reconstruction of sociology is dealt with in chapters devoted to 'Conflict', 'Feminist', 'Racial', 'Rational' and 'Post/Modern' sociology." "The result is a work in recent sociological study. Accomplished and erudite, this book will be required reading for students of sociology, social theory, religious studies and cultural studies."--Jacket.