This book examines the work of the classical social theorists --Durkheim, Weber, Marx, Engels and Freud -- from a feminist perspective.The focus is on the theoretical approach adopted by each theorist inhis examination of the nature of human nature and, more specifically,the nature of sex relationships. In general, the dichotomized,hierarchical view of sex relationships common to each of the theoristsforms the framework for the discussions and critiques.

More recent critical commentaries by feminists are included, as wellas a brief exegesis on sociobiology as representative of many of theviews found in the work of the five sociological 'fathers'. Theconcluding remarks consider suggestions for the direction of a feministsocial theory.