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.
Industry Reviews
Each chapter of this particularly comprehensive and thoughtful Introduction to Sociology has the great virtue of being written by a particularly knowledgeable expert able to convey what it means to approach a topic sociologically. The book provides a perfect foundation for the first years of study for students who want to understand social reality through more complex and accurate analytical lenses. As such, it is an essential tool for undergraduate intellectual development. -- Professor Michele Lamont An Introduction to Sociology provides new and up to date insights into persistent social issues. Through its 28 chapters, the volume covers topics ranging from digital society and the environment to migration and employment. Material is presented in an accessible format that will appeal to a wide range of readers from A-Level to undergraduates and will be a useful, practical teaching resource for lectures. -- Louise Ryan This superb introduction to sociological thinking and research covers a rich variety of themes and approaches. In a multifaceted way and with timely examples, it introduces both classical sociological research fields, such as working life and criminology, and rapidly developing fields of study on digital society and environmental sociology. Its up-to-date focus on decolonial and global perspectives, and intersectional perspectives on race, gender and class make it essential reading for new sociology students and inspiration to lecturers teaching sociology courses. -- Suvi Keskinen
