Sociology A Brief Introduction

Three basic premises guide this highly successful introductory text - first that theory and research must be both comprehensive and clear, second that the text must show how sociology is relevant both to the study of society and to students' lives and third that sociology can play a valuable role in teaching critical thinking skills. To that end, this solid, well respected text combines a balanced three-perspective approach with excellent student oriented examples, and distinctive social policy sections in a concise presentation that offers an alternative to full length books.

Sociology: A Brief Introduction invites students to take sociology with them in their daily lives. This successful, student-friendly program includes strong coverage of race, ethnicity, and globalization. The approachable material encourages students to develop their sociological imaginations and start to think like a sociologist. Paired with Connect, a personal and adaptive learning experience, students learn to apply sociology’s three theoretical frameworks to the world around them.

What can sociological theory tell us about the basic forces that shape our world? With clarity and authority, Theoretical Sociology: A Concise Introduction to Twelve Sociological Theories, by leading theorist Jonathan H. Turner, seeks to answer this question through a brief, yet in-depth examination of twelve major sociological theories. Readers are given an opportunity to explore the foundational premise of each theory and key elements that make it distinctive. The book draws on biographical background, analysis of important works, historical influences, and other critical insights to help readers make the important connections between these monumental sociological theories and the social world in which we live. This concise resource is a perfect complement to any course that seeks to examine both classic and contemporary sociological theory.

Introduction to Sociology 2e adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical, one-semester introductory sociology course. It offers comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories, which are supported by a wealth of engaging learning materials. The textbook presents detailed section reviews with rich questions, discussions that help students apply their knowledge, and features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways. The second edition retains the book's conceptual organization, aligning to most courses, and has been significantly updated to reflect the latest research and provide examples most relevant to today's students. In order to help instructors transition to the revised version, the 2e changes are described within the preface. The images in this textbook are grayscale. Authors include: Heather Griffiths, Nathan Keirns, Eric Strayer, Susan Cody-Rydzewski, Gail Scaramuzzo, Tommy Sadler, Sally Vyain, Jeff Bry, Faye Jones

Like its predecessors, the seventh edition of this text reflects Rick Schaefer's mission to bring readers a comprehensive, up-to-date presentation that teaches them how to think critically about society and their own lives from a wide range of classical and contemporary perspectives. Combining balanced coverage of theory with current research findings, distinctive social policy sections, examples of interest to students, and abundant learning aids and exercises, this text will help students develop a sociological imagination. An optional package combines Schaefer, Sociology, Seventh Edition and Reel Society Interactive Movie 2.0 CD-ROM at nominal extra cost. "The introductory sociology class provides the ideal laboratory in which to study our own society and those of our global neighbors. The distinctive emphasis on social policy found in this text shows students how to use the sociological imagination in examining such public policy issues as sexual harassment, the AIDS crisis, welfare reform, the death penalty, and the offshoring of service jobs." Richard T. Schaefer

Comprehensive and engaging, this textbook introduces students not only to foundational sociological work, but also to insights from contemporary sociological theory and research. This combined approach ensures that students become familiar with the core of sociology: key concepts, theories, perspectives, methods, and findings. Students will acquire the ability to think like a sociologist, investigate and understand complex social phenomena. This text presents a complete sociological toolkit, guiding students in the art of asking good sociological questions, devising a sophisticated theory and developing methodologies to observe social phenomena. The chapters of this book build cumulatively to equip students with the tools to quickly understand any new sociological topic or contemporary social problem. The textbook also applies the sociological toolkit to selected key sociological issues, showing how specific sociological topics can be easily investigated and understood using this approach. Taking a global and comparative perspective, the book covers a rich diversity of sociological topics and social problems, such as crime, immigration, race and ethnicity, media, education, family, organizations, gender, poverty, modernization and religion. The book presents a range of helpful pedagogical features throughout, such as: Chapter overview and learning goals summaries at the start of every chapter; Thinking like a sociologist boxes, encouraging students to reflect critically on learning points; Principle boxes, summarizing key sociological principles; Theory schema boxes, presenting sociological theories in a clear, understandable manner; Stylized facts highlighting key empirical findings and patterns; Key concepts and summary sections at the end of every chapter; and Companion website providing additional material for every chapter for both instructors and students, including PowerPoint lecture notes, discussion questions and answers, multiple-choice questions, further reading and a full glossary of terms. This clear and accessible text is essential reading for students taking introductory courses in sociology. It will also be useful for undergraduate and graduate courses in other social science disciplines, such as psychology, economics, human geography, demography, communication studies, education sciences, political science and criminology.

This is Sociology is an engaging, concise introduction to the key concepts used for studying social life. It covers a diverse range of theorists from the rich history of sociology and shows how thinking sociologically can help us understand our lives, the groups we are part of, and the rapid social changes and inequalities that shape contemporary societies. Key features: Uses compelling international examples and a range of theoretical perspectives from across the world, including theorists that have often been omitted from the established sociological canon. Covers topics such as globalization, culture, gender, race, and class. Introduces the latest approaches emerging from efforts to build an inclusive global sociology, one that moves beyond a Eurocentric perspective and is equipped for the challenges of the 21st Century. The book is essential reading for anyone new to studying sociology and is supported by a wide range of podcasts, videos, and discussion questions.

While providing a rock-solid foundation of sociology, Introduction to Sociology: Canadian Version, by renowned sociologists George Ritzer and Neil Guppy, illuminates traditional sociological concepts and theories, as well as some of today’s most compelling social phenomena: Globalization, consumer culture, and the Internet. Ritzer and Guppy bring students into the conversation by bridging the divide between the outside world and the classroom. The international version of the book by Ritzer has been redesigned with an explicitly Canadian core. The result is this compelling Canadian version featuring George Ritzer’s distinctive voice and style blended with Neil Guppy’s definitive views on Canadian sociology—highlighting the place of Canada in a globalizing world.

This groundbreaking new introduction to sociology is an innovative hybrid textbook and reader. Combining seminal scholarly works, contextual narrative and in-text didactic materials, it presents a rich, layered and comprehensive introduction to the discipline. Its unique approach will help inspire a creative, critical, and analytically sophisticated sociological imagination, making sense of society and the many small and large problems it poses.

An Introduction to Sociology presents the theoretical approaches, the methods of inquiry, and the concepts with which sociologists attempt to order the intricate phenomena of social interaction. This book provides an illustration of particular investigations that may provide some insights into substantive features of society and social behavior. Organized into six chapters, this book starts with an overview of scientific proposition, which is the statement of a relationship between specified properties of events and objects. This text then explains the fundamental concepts that appear in the empirical and theoretical writings of sociologists. Other chapters present a discussion of what sociologists actually study, which includes the substantive areas of investigation and the aims of the investigation. This book discusses as well the institutionalized areas of society, including the family, the economy, and the polity. The final chapter deals with the theories of the middle-range. This book is a valuable resource for sociologists.

An Introduction to Sociology is your essential guide to understanding the social forces that shape our lives and the world around us. This innovative textbook introduces you to the key theories, themes, and concepts in the discipline of sociology and helps you to develop as a sociologist by providing comprehensive coverage of all the main areas of study. Presenting you with the history, current debates and recent research developments for each topic, this book covers everything from classical sociologies and traditional subjects such as class, families, and religion, through to more progressive areas like digital society, social media, migration, and the interconnectedness of modern global society. The book′s extensive coverage means it can be used throughout your studies, from first year to final year. Key features: Each chapter is written by an internationally renowned expert who uses specialist insight and the latest research to provide a reliable and up-to-date overview. Includes a selection of unique learning features such as "Hear from the Expert" boxes and "Key Cases" from around the world, as well as reflective activities and revision questions that will enhance your knowledge. Features a section titled "What is sociology useful for?" which includes chapters on the public value of sociology and the role of sociology in contemporary society. The book is supported by a wide-ranging collection of online teaching and learning resources including exclusive video content from SAGE Video, links to SAGE Journal Articles, sample essay questions, and a selection of multiple-choice questions. This definitive text is perfect for first-year sociology undergraduates and anyone studying sociology at university or college level.

The bravest and most successful attempt yet to bring what is happening in academic sociology to the A-level market.' - Tony Breslin, Times Educational Supplement

My Sociology reconceptualizes intro sociology for the changing demographics in today’s higher education environment. Concise and student-focused, My Sociology captures students' attention with engaging stories and a focus on non-dominant populations. Rather than introducing students to theory and history at the beginning of the text, the book integrates the necessary information throughout to keep students engaged.

The Second Edition of Laura Kramer's "essentials" gender text provides an overview of basic sociological concepts and perspectives on gender--presented in a concise, accessibly written format. Focused chiefly on gender in the contemporary United States, the book integrates historical background to help communicate the magnitude of changes in the gender system and the macro-, middle-, and micro-level forces at play. The text emphasizes both the influences of and the interaction of social structure and culture in women's and men's lives. Throughout, the text integrates variations in the meanings of gender related to race-ethnicity and social class. Current research informs all discussions, and historical background helps students understand the dynamic nature of gender systems and the importance of social action. The Sociology of Gender's explicitly sociological approach provides an alternative to--and critiques of--biological and psychological approaches to gender and sexualorientation. The popularity of these approaches is itself analyzed to encourage students' critical thinking. The chapter on culture presents traditionally dominant and changing versions of femininities and masculinities, examining how these are communicated through language, mass media, and religion. The coverage on religion is expanded in the new edition, as is the discussion of knowledge professionals. A focus on cultural change concludes this chapter, with an examination of the importanceof both social structural and cultural forces in maintaining or changing cultural content. The topic of individual agency and resistance, introduced in the first chapter, is carried throughout discussions of culture and socialization. The section on social interaction is expanded, and discussions of learning and doing gender through the life course are reorganized and updated. Separate sections on sexuality, the body, and health are new. A new chapter on education complements revised chapters on the family, work and the economy, and the legal and political systems. In addition to the integration of more recent research and government statistics, the Second Edition offers expanded discussions of the work-family interface, same-sex relationships, and feminist activism. Kramer's style is highly readable, and the content is rich and varied. Each chapter features illustrations from everyday life. The book does not presume prior sociology coursework or a high level of statistical sophistication. Students will relate to the numerous real-world examples, brief definitions, and the avoidance of unnecessarily specialized language. More current examples have replaced those from the First Edition where appropriate. A glossary, indices, and discussion questions at the end of each chapter add to the volume's accessibility--inviting the student to move from passive reading to active application.

Specifically designed for third- and fourth-year students, Seeing Politics Differently provides a concise overview of how power is distributed within society, with a particular focus on the Canadian context. Written with the aim of broadening students' views of politics, Seeing Politics Differently shows how politics penetrate and shape our daily lives.

Doing Sociology is a student-centred text that encourages learning by doing. Combining sociological theory with research methods and social philosophy in an accessible way, it provides an invaluable resource for A-level, access and first-year degree students and teachers.

The most relevant textbook for today's students.