Introduction to Sociology

Description

The goal of Introduction to Sociology is to demonstrate the vitality, interest, and utility associated with the study of sociology. Examining society and trying to understand how it works is an exciting and absorbing process, but in order to understand society, we need to understand how it shapes people and how people, in turn, shape society.

The author threads two basic ideas throughout the book: sociology is a rigorous, scientific discipline, and basic knowledge of sociology is essential for understanding social interaction in many work and social settings. Sociology is a highly organized discipline shaped by several theoretical perspectives or schools of thought. It is not merely the study of social problems or the random voicing of opinions. In this book, no single perspective is given greater emphasis; a balanced presentation of both functionalist theory and conflict theory is supplemented whenever possible by the symbolic interactionist viewpoint.

Every aspect of this book has been updated, and a great deal has been changed. Each chapter progresses from a specific to a general analysis of society. Each part introduces increasingly more comprehensive factors necessary for a broad-based understanding of social organization. The material is presented through consistently applied learning aids. Each chapter begins with a chapter outline. Then, a thought-provoking opening vignette offers a real-life story of the concepts being covered. Key terms are presented in boldfaced type in the text. Key concepts are presented in italicized type in the text. A chapter summary concludes each chapter, and an integrated study guide follows each chapter. Great care has been taken to structure the book in such a way as to permit flexibility in the presentation of the material. Each chapter is self-contained and, therefore, may be taught in any order.

The author’s approach has received praise for being cross-cultural in focus and for bringing in examples from a wide variety of societies. Often, in fact, the best way to appreciate our own situation is through comparison with other societies. This cross-cultural focus is used as a basis for comparison and contrast with U.S. society, hopefully providing the reader with a greater understanding of all people and societies.

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