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.

Beginning with a solid foundation in the basics of sociology – its purpose, methodology and theories – subsequent chapters offer up-to-the-minute overviews of the discipline's core areas of concern, from poverty, inequality and gender to digital media, political polarization and climate change. Maintaining its focus on global connections which has animated this book since its very first edition, the tenth edition further develops its interactive pedagogy, aiming to engage and excite readers, helping them to see the enduring value of thinking sociologically.

The tenth edition continues to set the standard for introductory sociology in an ever more complex social world. It is the ideal teaching text for first-year university and college courses and will help to inspire a new generation of sociologists.