Sociology : a brief introduction
Unique for its blend of style and substance, this introductory text uses a systematic and balanced application of sociological perspectives to help students see the difference between myths and realities about society.
xxvii, 499 pages : color illustrations ; 26 cm
9780205350995, 0205350992
49558989
1. The Essence of Sociology
The Study of Social Life
The Development of Sociology
Major Perspectives in Sociology
Sports: Illustrating the Three Perspectives
Major Research Methods
Applied Sociology: How Sociology Can Enrich Our Lives
Virtual World: Are Online Surveys Reliable?
2. Society and Culture
Building Blocks of Society
Societies in Sociocultural Evolution
Components of Culture
U.S. Culture
A Global Analysis of Culture
Sociological Perspectives on Culture
Applied Sociology: How to Enhance Our Cultural Competence
Virtual World: More Languages on the Internet
3. Socialization
The Significance of Heredity
The Significance of Socialization
Processes of Socialization
Sociological Perspectives on Socialization
Social Diversity in Socialization
A Global Analysis of Socialization
Agents of Socialization
Adult Socialization
Are We Puppets of Society?
Applied Sociology: Safe Places for Home-Alone Youth
Virtual World: The Net Generation
4. Social Interaction in Everyday Life
Sociological Perspectives on Social Interactions
Interaction as Symbolic Communication
Communication Between Women and Men
Dramaturgy: Interaction as Drama
The Art of Managing Impressions
The Social Construction of Reality
Applied Sociology: What Humor Can Do for Us
Virtual World: The Spreading of Online Chat
5. Croups and Organizations
Social Groups
Group Characteristics
Social Networks
Formal Organizations
Functionalist Perspective: Cooperating to Achieve a Common Goal
Conflict Perspective: Equality as Key to Organizational Success
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective: Defining the Situation in Organizations
The Realities of Bureaucracy
A Global Analysis of Organizations
Applied Sociology: Standing in Lines
Virtual World: The Global Computer Network
6. Deviance and Control
What Is Deviance?
Examples of Deviance
Functionalist Perspective: Deviance and Social Order
Conflict Perspective: Deviance and Social Inequality
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective: Association, Reaction, and Interpretation
Social Diversity in Deviance
A Global Analysis of Deviance
Controlling Deviance
Applied Sociology: Controlling Violent Kids
Virtual World: The Proliferation of Cyberporn
7. U.S. and Clobal Stratification
The Bases of Stratification
Stratification Systems: A Global View
New Approaches to Stratification
The U.S. Class Structure
Poverty in the United States
Social Mobility in U.S. Society
Global Stratification
Sociological Perspectives on Stratification
Applied Sociology: How to Become a Millionaire
Virtual World: Stratification in Cyberspace
8. Race and Ethnicity
Sociological Definitions
Race and Ethnicity in the United States
Racial and Ethnic Relations
Prejudice and Discrimination
A Global Analysis of Race and Ethnicity
Applied Sociology: Affirmative Action without Racial Preference
9. Cender and Age
Gender Roles
Gender Socialization
Spheres of Gender Inequality
Consequences of Gender Inequality
Sociological Perspectives on Gender Inequality
The Aging Process
Social Diversity in Aging
The Future of Aging
Virtual World: The Gendered Computer Games
10. Families
Families: A Global Analysis
Sociological Perspectives on the Family
Patterns of U.S. Marriages
Family Problems
Changes in the U.S. Family
Alternative Lifestyles
Social Diversity of U.S. Families
The Future of the Family
Applied Sociology: A New Way to Solve Marital Problems
Virtual World: Family Relations in Cyberspace
11. Education and Religion
Sociological Perspectives on Education
Education in the United States
Social Diversity in U.S. Education
Sociological Perspectives on Religion
Religion in the United States
Facing the Secular World: Confrontation or Compromise?
A Global Analysis of Religion
Applied Sociology: Preparing Students for Both Worlds
12. The Economy and Politics
The Economy in Perspective
The World's Economic Systems
The Dominance of Big Corporations
Work in the United States
Social Diversity in the U.S. Economy
Power and Authority
The World of U.S. Politics
Who Really Governs in U.S. Society?
A Global Analysis of Political Violence
Virtual World: Wooing Voters Online
13. Health and Population
Health and Society
Medical Care
Sociological Perspectives on Health and Medical Care
A Global Analysis of Population
Patterns of Population Change
Combating Population Growth
Virtual World: Seeking Medical Care in Cyberspace
14. Environment and Urbanization
Environment
A Global Analysis of Urbanization
Cities in the United States
The Urban Environment
The Nature of City Life
Causes of Urban Problems
Sociological Perspectives on Urbanization
The Future of U.S. Cities
Applied Sociology: How to Revitalize the City
15. Collective Behavior, Social Movements, and Social Change
The Study of Collective Behavior
Forms of Collective Behavior
A Global Analysis of Social Change
Functionalist Perspective: Gradual Change
Conflict Perspective: Revolutionary Change
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective: Changing Interaction
How U.S. Society Has Changed
Major Changes in Our Future
Virtual World: The Evolution of E-mail Etiquette