Randall Collins, recognized as one of the world’s leading sociological theorists and comparative-historical sociologists, is Professor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. He has authored a dozen books and well over one hundred articles on all aspects of sociological theory. Stephen K. Sanderson is Professor of Sociology at the University of California-Riverside. He is the author of numerous articles and many books, including Evolutionism and Its Critics (Paradigm 2007).

“This volume merits careful and critical inclusion in sociology’s lexicon of intellectual interpretation. A significant literary addition. Highly recommended.” —CHOICE

• Chapter One The Bases of Scientific Sociology; Chapter Two A Theory of Stratification; Chapter Three Microsociology and Stratification; Chapter Four A Short History of Deference and Demeanor, Joan Annett; Chapter Five State, Economy, and Ideology; Chapter Six Inequalities of Wealth; afterword Afterword;