THE EMERGENCE OF VARIOUS THEORETICAL TRENDS AND THEIR PROSPECTS IN SOCIOLOGY.

The article discusses the emergence of various theoretical trends and their prospects in sociology. While it is not the author's purpose to trace the historical development of these trends, it is worthwhile noting that alt of them at some point were of central concern to the early history of sociology, either in classical European thought or in the body of theory which was promulgated at the University of Chicago, Illinois, early in this century. Indeed, if the ensuing prognosis were on target, it would be interesting to ascertain why contemporary sociology is just now "rediscovering its roots" and attempting to make a place for the very ideas, which give it its birth. The developments the author has outlined in this article, the movement toward a radical sociology, the codification of a theoretically humanistic sociology, the emergence of a sociology of self as the genesis for theory creation, the advocating of moral engagement vis-a-vis what it is sociologists study, and the need to develop a viable theory of meaning, all suggest one central underlying theme. This theme is a renewed emphasis on the study of the person as the central focus of social action. This is not to say that structural variables will no longer be vital to the sociological perspective. Rather, it is a matter of emphasis, i.e., the traditional emphasis on the system paradigm is rapidly yielding to a more dynamic "person paradigm", the main thrust of which is to more accurately tap the essence of the human condition.