Description

This essential and authoritative text lays the foundations for a theoretically and methodologically robust understanding of sociology.  Key topics are then examined in an accessible yet rigorous manner, encouraging reflection within a wide social, cultural and historical context.  Topical and fascinating examples from around the world help to contextualise and apply sociological thinking to our own lives.

Features

• Experts from the key areas of sociology contribute a wealth of knowledge to each chapter.
• Primary excerpts encourage students to engage with original material
• Features including ‘Stop and Think’, ‘Case study’ and ‘A closer look’ help readers focus on key issues, investigate further and reflect.
• ‘World in focus’ features give the text a global perspective
• Vibrantly illustrated with provocative images and useful diagrams and tables

New to this Edition

• A thoroughly revised introductory chapter examining the origins of sociology and putting contemporary thinking into context
• An updated chapter covering the different theoretical perspectives
• Further reading sections at the end of each chapter, including suggested journal articles, help to make further study accessible and manageable
• The text has been updated throughout to highlight the latest research and to put sociological theory in the context of the world we live in.

 

Table of Contents

List of case studies

List of World in focus boxes

Contributors

Preface

Guided tour

How to use this book

Acknowledgements

 

Part 1 Introduction to the sociological imagination

1. Sociological Thinking
2. Sociological Theories
3. Sociological Research

 

Part 2 Introduction to Social Divisions

1. Social Stratification and Class
2. Gender
3. ‘Race’, Ethnicity and Nationalism
4. Age
5. Disability
6. Global Divisions

 

Part 3 Introduction to Understanding Social Life

1. Environment
2. Families and Relationships
3. Work
4. Health, Illness and the Body
5. Crime and Punishment

 

Part 4 Introduction to Knowledge and Power

1. Education
2. Religion
3. The Mass Media

 

Glossary

References

Index

Back Cover

ENDORSEMENTS TO COME

 

Now in its fifth edition, Sociology: Making Sense of Society retains the highly praised four-part structure and style of the previous edition, and through this explores the diversity, contradictions and challenges we face in our social world.

 

This essential and authoritative text lays the foundations for a theoretically and methodologically robust understanding of sociology. Key topics are then examined in an accessible yet rigorous manner, encouraging reflection within a wide social, cultural and historical context. Topical and fascinating examples from around the world help to contextualise and apply sociological thinking to our own lives.

 

Crucially, this text frequently asks you to consider your position in the world, drawing you into the debates and all the time conveying the excitement of studying sociology.

 

Key features

• Experts from the key areas of sociology contribute a wealth of knowledge to each chapter.
• Primary excerpts encourage students to engage with original material.
• Features including ‘Stop and Think’, ‘Case study’ and ‘A closer look’ help readers focus on key issues, investigate further and reflect.
• ‘World in focus’ features give the text a global perspective.
• Vibrantly illustrated with provocative images and useful diagrams and tables.

New for this edition

• A thoroughly revised introductory chapter examining the origins and usefulness of sociology, and putting contemporary sociological thinking into context with case studies of the UK riots, celebrity culture and social media.
• An updated chapter covering the different theoretical perspectives.
• Further reading sections at the end of each chapter, including suggested journal articles, help to make further study accessible and manageable.
• The text has been updated throughout to highlight the latest research and to put sociological theory in the context of the world we live in.

Samantha Punch is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Stirling.

Jeni Harden is Senior Lecturer in Social Science and Health at the University of Edinburgh.

Ian Marsh is Principal Lecturer in Criminology at Liverpool Hope University.

Mike Keating was formerly Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology at Liverpool Hope University.

Author

Samantha Punch is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at University of Stirling

Jeni Harden is Senior Lecturer in Social Science and Health at University of Edinburgh
Ian Marsh is Principal Lecturer in Criminology at Liverpool Hope University

Mike Keating was formerly Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology at Liverpool Hope University