Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials (10th Edition)

Book Preface

This edition focuses on social change and ways in which media, particularly social media, and various other forms of technology inevitably bring about new ways of living, interacting with others, or doing some activity or task. For example, the theme of change and “going green” in large urban spaces is reflected by the tenth edition’s livelier, exciting new cover and is carried throughout the text in updates to the interior design, artwork, and photos. In addition, new sections have been added throughout on social change, and the former “Media Framing” boxes have been expanded to include topics on social media and social change.

Like previous editions, the tenth edition highlights topics ranging from popular culture icons and social networking to far-more-serious issues of our times, such as the social effects of massive natural and human disasters, gun violence, terrorism, war, and the individual and social consequences of problems such as growing inequality between the wealthiest and the poorest people and nations, persistent unemployment, migration concerns worldwide, and other persistent issues and problems. In this edition even more attention is paid to the theme of social change and how it affects all of our lives.

The second decade of the twenty-first century offers unprecedented challenges and opportunities for each of us as individuals and for our larger society and world. In the United States, we can no longer take for granted the peace and economic prosperity that many—but far from all—people were able to enjoy in previous decades. However, even as some things change, others remain the same, and among the things that have not changed are the significance of education and the profound importance of understanding how and why people act the way they do. It is also important to analyze how societies grapple with issues such as economic hardship and the threat of terrorist attacks and war, and to gain a better understanding of why many of us seek stability in our social institutions—including family, religion, education, government, and media—even if we believe that some of these institutions might benefit from certain changes.

Like previous editions, the tenth edition of Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials highlights the relevance of sociology to help students connect with the subject and the full spectrum of topics and issues that it encompasses. It achieves this connection by providing a meaningful, concrete context within which to learn. Specifically, it presents the stories— the lived experiences—of real individuals and the social issues they face while discussing a diverse array of classical and contemporary theories and examining interesting and relevant research. The firstperson commentaries that begin each chapter show students how sociology can help them understand the important questions and social issues that not only these other individuals face but that they themselves may face as well.

Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials includes the best work of classical and established contemporary sociologists, and it weaves an inclusive treatment of all people—across lines of race/ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability/disability, and other social attributes—into the examination of sociology in all chapters. It does not water down the treatment of sociology for students! Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials provides students with the most relevant information about sociological thinking and helps them to consider contemporary social issues through the lens of diversity. While helping students learn to appreciate how sociology can help them better understand the world, this text also encourages them to see themselves as members of their communities and shows them what can be done in responding to social issues. As a result, students learn how sociology is not only a collection of concepts and theories but also a field that can make a difference in their lives, their communities, and the world at large.

Brief Contents
Part 1 Studying Society and Social Life
1 The Sociological Perspective and Research Process 3
2 Culture 41
3 Socialization 73
Part 2 Social Groups and Social Control
4 Social Structure and Interaction in Everyday Life 103
5 Groups and Organizations 137
6 Deviance and Crime 163
Part 3 Social Inequality
7 Class and Stratification in the United States 199
8 Global Stratification 233
9 Race and Ethnicity 257
10 Sex, Gender, and Sexuality 295
Part 4 Social Institutions
11 Families and Intimate Relationships 329
12 Education and Religion 361
13 Politics and the Economy in Global Perspective 399
14 Health, Health Care, and Disability 435
Part 5 Social Dynamics and Social Change
15 Population and Urbanization 473
16 Collective Behavior, Social Movements, and Social Change 507