Sociology

The indispensable guide to understanding the world we make and the lives we lead This thoroughly revised and fully updated tenth edition remains unrivalled in its vibrant, engaging and authoritative introduction to sociology. The authors provide a commanding overview of the sociological approach to contemporary global challenges and the latest conceptual developments in this fascinating subject. Written in a fluent, easy-to-follow style, the book manages to be both intellectually rigorous and readily accessible. As well as providing a firm grounding in the classics of the field and their decolonial critique, it draws particular attention to dominant themes shaping the social world today, from the increasing digitization of society to the important role identity plays in numerous contexts. The tenth edition includes: - a solid foundation in the basics of sociology - its purpose, methodology and theories; - up-to-date overviews of the core topics in sociology - from class, gender and race to globalization, the media and politics; - stimulating discussion of what sociology has to say about key issues of our time, such as climate change, the resurgence of military conflict and the growing polarization of politics in societies across the world; - maintaining the focus on global connections which has animated this book since its very first edition, the tenth edition further develops this by analysing global inequalities today and exploring the ways in which digital technologies are radically transforming our lives; - employing an interactive pedagogy, the tenth edition aims to engage and excite readers and help them see the enduring value of thinking sociologically. The tenth edition continues to set the standard for introductory sociology in a rapidly changing and ever more complex social world. It is the ideal teaching text for first-year university and college courses and it will help to inspire a new generation of sociologists.

Anthony Giddens is the former director of the London School of Economics and Political Science. Philip W. Sutton is an independent researcher, formerly of the University of Leeds and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.

Introduction 1. What is Sociology?
2. Studying Social Life
3. Theories and Perspectives
4. Global Connections
5. The Environment
6. Cities and Urban Life
7. Stratification and Social Class
8. Gender and Sexuality
9. Race, Ethnicity and Migration
10. Health, Illness and Disability
11. Poverty, Social Exclusion and Welfare
12. Global Inequality
13. Social Interaction and Communication
14. Crime, Deviance and Control
15. Families and Personal Relationships
16. Education
17. Work and Employment
18. Religion
19. Media
20. Politics, Power and Social Movements
21. Nations, War and Terrorism Glossary