Introduction to Sociology 3e

Introduction to Sociology 3e aligns to the topics and objectives of many introductory sociology courses. It is arranged in a manner that provides foundational sociological theories and contexts, then progresses through various aspects of human and societal interactions. The new edition is focused on driving meaningful and memorable learning experiences related to critical thinking about society and culture. The text includes comprehensive coverage of core concepts, discussions and data relevant to a diverse audience, and features that draw learners into the discipline in powerful and personal ways. Overall, Introduction to Sociology 3e aims to center the course and discipline as crucial elements for understanding relationships, society, and civic engagement; the authors seek to lay the foundation for students to apply what they learn throughout their lives and careers.

The authors, reviewers, and the entire team worked to build understanding of the causes and impacts of discrimination and prejudice. Introduction to Sociology 3e contains dozens of examples of discrimination and its outcomes regarding social science, society, institutions, and individuals. The text seeks to strike a balance between confronting the damaging aspects of our culture and history and celebrating those who have driven change and overcome challenges. The core discussion of these topics are present in Chapter 11 on Race and Ethnicity, and Chapter 12 on Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, but their causes and effects are extensively discussed in the context of other topics, including education, law enforcement, government, healthcare, the economy, and so on. Together and when connected by an instructor, these elements have potential for deep and lasting effects.

Senior Contributing Authors

Tonja R. Conerly, San Jacinto College
Kathleen Holmes, Northern Essex Community College
Asha Lal Tamang, Minneapolis Community and Technical College & North Hennepin Community College


Contributing Authors

Jennifer Hensley, Vincennes University
Jennifer L. Trost, University of St. Thomas
Pamela Alcasey, Central Texas College
Kate McGonigal, Fort Hays State University
Heather Griffiths, Fayetteville State University
Nathan Keirns, Zane State College
Eric Strayer, Hartnell College
Tommy Sadler, Union University
Susan Cody-Rydzewski, Georgia Perimeter College
Gail Scaramuzzo, Lackawanna College
Sally Vyain, Ivy Tech Community College
Jeff Bry, Minnesota State Community and Technical College at Moorhead
Faye Jones, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Chapter 1 An Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction
• 1.1 What Is Sociology?
• 1.2 The History of Sociology
• 1.3 Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology
• 1.4 Why Study Sociology?
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 2 Sociological Research
• Introduction
• 2.1 Approaches to Sociological Research
• 2.2 Research Methods
• 2.3 Ethical Concerns
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 3 Culture
• Introduction
• 3.1 What Is Culture?
• 3.2 Elements of Culture
• 3.3 High, Low, Pop, Sub, Counter-culture and Cultural Change
• 3.4 Theoretical Perspectives on Culture
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 4 Society and Social Interaction
• Introduction
• 4.1 Types of Societies
• 4.2 Theoretical Perspectives on Society
• 4.3 Social Constructions of Reality
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 5 Socialization
• Introduction
• 5.1 Theories of Self-Development
• 5.2 Why Socialization Matters
• 5.3 Agents of Socialization
• 5.4 Socialization Across the Life Course
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 6 Groups and Organization
• Introduction
• 6.1 Types of Groups
• 6.2 Group Size and Structure
• 6.3 Formal Organizations
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 7 Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
• Introduction
• 7.1 Deviance and Control
• 7.2 Theoretical Perspectives on Deviance and Crime
• 7.3 Crime and the Law
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 8 Media and Technology
• Introduction
• 8.1 Technology Today
• 8.2 Media and Technology in Society
• 8.3 Global Implications of Media and Technology
• 8.4 Theoretical Perspectives on Media and Technology
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 9 Social Stratification in the United States
• Introduction
• 9.1 What Is Social Stratification?
• 9.2 Social Stratification and Mobility in the United States
• 9.3 Global Stratification and Inequality
• 9.4 Theoretical Perspectives on Social Stratification
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 10 Global Inequality
• Introduction
• 10.1 Global Stratification and Classification
• 10.2 Global Wealth and Poverty
• 10.3 Theoretical Perspectives on Global Stratification
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 11 Race and Ethnicity
• Introduction
• 11.1 Racial, Ethnic, and Minority Groups
• 11.2 Theoretical Perspectives on Race and Ethnicity
• 11.3 Prejudice, Discrimination, and Racism
• 11.4 Intergroup Relationships
• 11.5 Race and Ethnicity in the United States
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 12 Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
• Introduction
• 12.1 Sex, Gender, Identity, and Expression
• 12.2 Gender and Gender Inequality
• 12.3 Sexuality
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 13 Aging and the Elderly
• Introduction
• 13.1 Who Are the Elderly? Aging in Society
• 13.2 The Process of Aging
• 13.3 Challenges Facing the Elderly
• 13.4 Theoretical Perspectives on Aging
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 14 Relationships, Marriage, and Family
• Introduction
• 14.1 What Is Marriage? What Is a Family?
• 14.2 Variations in Family Life
• 14.3 Challenges Families Face
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 15 Religion
• Introduction
• 15.1 The Sociological Approach to Religion
• 15.2 World Religions
• 15.3 Religion in the United States
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 16 Education
• Introduction
• 16.1 Education around the World
• 16.2 Theoretical Perspectives on Education
• 16.3 Issues in Education
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 17 Government and Politics
• Introduction
• 17.1 Power and Authority
• 17.2 Forms of Government
• 17.3 Politics in the United States
• 17.4 Theoretical Perspectives on Government and Power
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 18 Work and the Economy
• Introduction to Work and the Economy
• 18.1 Economic Systems
• 18.2 Globalization and the Economy
• 18.3 Work in the United States
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 19 Health and Medicine
• Introduction
• 19.1 The Social Construction of Health
• 19.2 Global Health
• 19.3 Health in the United States
• 19.4 Comparative Health and Medicine
• 19.5 Theoretical Perspectives on Health and Medicine
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 20 Population, Urbanization, and the Environment
• Introduction
• 20.1 Demography and Population
• 20.2 Urbanization
• 20.3 The Environment and Society
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• Further Research
• References

Chapter 21 Social Movements and Social Change
• Introduction to Social Movements and Social Change
• 21.1 Collective Behavior
• 21.2 Social Movements
• 21.3 Social Change
• Key Terms
• Section Summary
• Section Quiz
• Short Answer
• References