Exploring Social Change: America and the World

Exploring Social Change provides a compelling analysis of theories that explain social change, innovation, social movements, and revolution, and concludes with reflections about how individuals do and should live in an uncertain and rapidly changing world. Written in a personal and clear manner, the authors provide definitions of key terms and analysis of theories and ideas from the study of social change.

The seventh edition includes updated examples reflecting the social changes that have occurred in the world around us, including new discussions on the environmental and social landscapes, as well as updated methods and discussions that reflect that changing field of social change study.

Charles L. Harper is an emeritus professor of sociology at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. As a member of the faculty there since 1968, he developed and taught numerous courses in the sociology department. Dr. Harper’s teaching and scholarly interests included the study of social change, globalization, the sociology of religion, social theory, and environmental sociology. He has published papers in a variety of academic journals.

Kevin T. Leicht is professor of sociology and department chair at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research examines the relationship between globalization, economic change, and social inequality in a variety of contexts. His work has appeared in the American Sociological Review, American Journal of Sociology, Social Forces and the Academy of Management Journal, and he is the former editor of The Sociological Quarterly and Research in Social Stratification and Mobility. Currently he serves as president-elect of the Midwest Sociological Society.