This volume, stemming from the annual meeting of the Theory Section of the American Sociological Association, addresses theoretical cumulation in two senses: } the rigorous empirical testing of theoretical models } the synthesis, extension and consolidation of the existing theoretical base of the discipline. This distinguished group of contributors, all leading scholars, have expanded upon the wisdom of the giants of theoretical sociology, and creatively broadened the base of theory in the field. Through the description and analysis of their own theoretical programmes, they show that the cumulation of theory is possible in sociology and point the directions and methods this cumulation should take.
