This book is about the most interesting and main ideas in sociology that have stood the test of time, and in the system of views on major social problems. The author skillfully places emphasis when analyzing the theories presented. The structure of the book makes it possible to holistically perceive a large amount of material from the perspective of the historical formation of sociological theory, and biographical information about the authors of the theories makes the book more encyclopedic. The first part of the publication presents a selective historical overview of the theories and views of thinkers, whose work is analyzed in detail by the author in subsequent sections. The subject of the second part is the main schools of modern sociological theory in the context of a broad movement towards theoretical synthesis and attempts to combine micro- and macrotheories. The third part examines two leading trends in modern sociological theory concerning the relationship between micro- and macro-connections. The final, fourth, part is devoted to presenting the views of the most significant theorists of postmodernism and trends in the development of today's theory of sociology. The book will undoubtedly attract the attention not only of specialists in various fields and students, but also of any reader interested in the laws of social life.