Sociology / John J. Macionis

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The Foundation of Sociology -- The Foundations of Society -- Social Inequality -- Social Institutions -- Social Change.

This text has been conceived, written, and produced with a keen awareness of its audience: undergraduate college and university students beginning the study of sociology. One considerable challenge in developing an introductory text is that beginning students of sociology are quite diverse, representing many kinds of schools as well as many career objectives. This is a diversity I know first-hand, having taught for almost twenty years in various academic settings, including large universities, small private colleges, community colleges, and even a prison and a police academy. From the out-set, it has been my intention to write a book that can meet the needs of the widest range of students, because a text becomes unusually rich as it reflects the extensive diversity of North American society itself. Most sociologists would probably agree that there is little in the discipline that is inherently beyond the understanding of any undergraduate student. At the same time, how the material is presented-in the form of explanation and example—is crucial in an introductory text. I have tried to present the discipline of sociology in the most comprehensive way possible, ensuring that all major concepts and arguments are carefully explained and illustrated, so that students of all ages, social backgrounds, and career interests can grasp their importance.