Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective [Paperback]

Peter L. Berger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1963 | ISBN-10: 0385065299 | ISBN-13: 978-0385065290 | Edition: 1

This lucid book presents the discipline of sociology to both the general reader and the student. Viewing sociology in the humanist tradition, Berger points out its affinity to history and philosophy, as well as its need for scientific procedures.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This lucid book presents the discipline of sociology to both the general reader and the student. Viewing sociology in the humanist tradition, Berger points out its affinity to history and philosophy, as well as its need for scientific procedures.

From the Inside Flap

This lucid book presents the discipline of sociology to both the general reader and the student. Viewing sociology in the humanist tradition, Berger points out its affinity to history and philosophy, as well as its need for scientific procedures.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Anchor; 1 edition (March 1, 1963)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385065299
• ISBN-13: 978-0385065290
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Peter L. Berger (Boston, MA) is University Professor of Sociology, Emeritus, at Boston University and the founder and Senior Research Fellow of the Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs. He has written numerous books on sociological theory, the sociology of religion, and Third World development. Among his more recent books are In Praise of Doubt (with Anton Zijderveld); Religious America, Secular Europe? (with Grace Davie and Effie Fokas); Questions of Faith; Many Globalizations (edited with Samuel Huntington); and Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of Human Experience. Professor Berger has received honorary degrees from Loyola University, University of Notre Dame, University of Geneva, University of Munich, Sofia University, and Renmin University of China.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and entertaining intro to sociological thought, June 19, 2000

By 

JDS (irvine, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective (Paperback)

Berger discusses the role and place of sociology in the modern world. He stresses sociological consciousness--seeing how macro structures shape individuals. He shows how what we think to be our long-standing social traditions and norms are really just arbitrarily socially constructed. Here he expands on the debunking tendecy of sociology to question our commonly accepted assumptions about the social world.

There are great examples of how society forms us internally and surrounds us externally. Berger demonstrates the different sociological perspectives as well as touching lightly on the differnt theorists (Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, etc.). In showing how one is boxed in by social forces, he uses a great metaphor of a person who stands in the center of concentric circles of social control (law, state, occupation, race, class, family, religion, etc.). Society also shapes us internally by providing systems of meaning, or ideologies, that help us make sense of the world.

He relates sociology not only to the social sciences but to the humanities and philosophy. The ethical considerations for sociological research are looked at in "Sociological Machiavellianism". The overall theme is that society limits freedom and individuals should question tradition by debunking the established order. Easy and interesting, he makes sociology relevant to everyday life.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A minor classic, January 5, 2000

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Prof. R. Paris (Arlington, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective (Paperback)

In spite of its relatively advanced age, this book has retained its charm and overall validity. I had read it when it first came out, over 25 years ago. On re-reading I realized why it had captivated me then. It is closely argued, well balanced and highly informative. Furthermore, it is written in good English, something rare for sociology textbooks. It is too bad that the author has not thought of a new edition, updating and refreshing it. I'd recommend it very highly for anybody wishing to find out what is sociology all about.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stil a great introduction to sociology of knowledge, February 27, 2004

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W. Jamison "William S. Jamison" (Eagle River, Ak United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective (Paperback)

Even with bright students (I am assuming some I have had are among the bright) there are problems with this book. It was a required text for my Sociology course in my student days and I have a fondness for what it did to me in leading me on to PB's "The Social Construction of Reality". SCR is clearly too difficult for most students and Invitation is much more accessible. Still, I have found students to be aghast at some of the expressions that clearly place it as a book of the sixties. On the other hand, I have not found a more accessible book that describes the postmodern point of view -- the view of sociology -- in as successful a way as this one. I therefore present it along with an explanation. It would be great if Peter Berger readdresses this invitation to new students with an update that incorporates politically correct language. The change in perspective is a tough experience. It would help if the language used were not an additional barrier.

I am still looking for a new book that will do the same thing to new students that this book did to me.