New to This Edition

As with each new edition, we have retained the characteristics of our Introduction to Sociology text that make it stand out. This edition continues to include an emphasis on the relevance of sociology with sections in each chapter on how students can apply specific sociological theories and/or concepts to their professional and personal lives.

Major changes have been made to this edition to ensure the information is current and accurate. Longstanding classical theoretical perspectives and concepts still form the underpinnings of the book. We honor the contributions of the authors and sociologists as central to the discipline. Updates to some of the opening vignettes include references to current events so that students can relate to them more effectively. These have always been favorably reviewed because they are relevant to the central ideas of each chapter. All citations throughout this edition have been checked (and revised if necessary) to ensure that they are as current and accurate as possible. Most of the tables and figures have been updated with the most current data available, and new tables and figures have been added wherever relevant. Of course, the text has been revised where needed to broaden discussions that the authors deemed especially important.

The opening vignette remains near the beginning of the chapter, and key terms remain in the margins in each chapter close to where they are discussed in the text. Many of the photographs have been changed to try to ensure relevance to students’ lives. The Students in Real Life vignette have been retained in this edition; these feature real students and how sociology has helped them in their job or life.

We believe that our book offers a traditional, solid introduction to sociology that encourages students to see its relevance in their lives and the world around them.

All of these customizations are professionally typeset to produce a seamless textbook of the highest quality, with an updated table of contents and index to reflect the customized content.