Crisis and Change Today

"A scholarly and insightful overview of Marxist work in sociology that also serves as a useful introduction to all the major schools of Marxist thought! This is not an easy combination, but one that is very important, especially today, and Peter Knapp and Alan J. Spector merit an `A+' for their achievement. When one adds the wealth of excellent examples and the crystal clear writing in which all this is conveyed, we have a book that will charm and instruct students and professors alike. Highly recommended!"---Bertell Ollman, New York University

"Crisis and Change Today provides an accessible overview of the basic concepts and relevant applications of a Marxist sociology. Knapp and Spector clearly show what distinguishes a Marxist sociology from other types of sociological analysis."---Rhonda F. Levine, Colgate University

"Knapp and Spector provide a much needed primer on Marxist sociology: its chapters guide the reader through the core concepts, methods of analysis, and important understandings derived from that form of analysis. The book ends on a high note, delving into what we can achieve with this form of social analysis and providing insight on how to understand and redress the ills produced by capitalist social relationships. This book is an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in a critical understanding of our society and an important classroom tool for teaching the foundations of Marxist sociology."---David Fasenfest, Wayne State University, editor of Critical Sociology

"An impressive compendium of the fundamental principles of Marxist sociology. Crisis and Change Today makes a major contribution to our understanding of the origins, contradictions, and transformation of contemporary capitalist society. I highly recommend this book as a most important guide to educate a new generation of college students to help effect societal change."---Berch Berberoglu, University of Nevada, Reno

Crisis and Change Today explains the basic principles of Marxist social theory, shaped around forty key questions about society and social change. Topics include history, economics, class structure, the dialectical method, racial oppression, the collapse of the Soviet bloc, and problems of "late capitalism" and globalization. Thoroughly updated, the second edition of Crisis and Change Today explores how Marxist analysis not only serves as a useful tool to explore the roots of recent crises in capitalism, but also provides a powerful framework to help understand weaknesses in Marxist praxis.

Peter Knapp is professor of sociology at Villanova University.
Alan J. Spector is professor of sociology at Purdue University Calumet.