Includes index

Building a bridge between sociological theory and methodology, Sociological Reasoning develops an original typology of approaches to social scientific theory and research that is distinguished by its openness and reflexive awareness of rhetorical and methodological aspects of knowledge claims. Stones argues that contemporary social theory and postmodernism are both to be distinguished from sociological modernism by the sensitivity they each show to the rich, diverse and complex nature of the social world; and yet, in terms of the epistemology and methodology of the research process, both are found to be wanting. He argues instead for a sociology that is rigorous, modest and sceptical, which accepts that it works with fragments of the real rather than with complete stories." "Laced with graphic and often witty examples from everyday life, the sociological literature and also contemporary fiction, and including illuminating critiques of the work of sociologists such as Giddens, Bauman, Mann and Walby, this is a strikingly refreshing and engaging text that will appeal to students of sociological theory at undergraduate level and beyond.