Production of society: A marrian foundation for social theory.

The purpose of this innovative study is to establish a foundation for social science based on the concepts and methods described in Marx's mature works, particularly the three volumes of Capital. Described by the author as "an exercise in metasociology." The Production of Society introduces a concep tual framework for a Marxian foundation for social theory and a sociologi cal foundation for the social sciences. Throughout, Michael Brown at tempts to clarify what is unique about the Marxian method of critical analysis.

With special emphasis on the work of Erving Goffman and Harold Garfinkel, and the connections of Marxian theory to psychoanalysis and discourse analysis, the author notes the continuing impact of Marxism, contending that much of what is critical or novel in contemporary Ameri can sociology, historiography, and political science can be traced either to encounters with Marxian literature or to its indirect influence.

Professor Brown's study is the only work thus far to explore and elucidate the sociological significance of all three volumes of Capital In establishing a Marxian foundation for sociology and providing a clear, nonsimplistic introduction to Marxism, the author has made an original contribution that will have an important bearing on future scholarship and research.