Illuminating Social Life has enjoyed increasing popularity with each edition. Editor Peter Kivisto attempts to bridge the gap between social theory and the substantive courses contained in the sociology curriculum. It is the only book designed for undergraduate teaching that shows today′s students how classical and contemporary social theories can be used to shed new light on such topics as the internet, the world of work, fast food restaurants, shopping malls, alcohol use, body building, sales and service, and new religious movements. This
Fourth Edition is updated and revised to help students appreciate the relevance and the significance of social theory―and in the process reduces the anxiety many feel about required theory courses.
New to the Fourth Edition- Addresses new issues: Two new chapters contribute to the immediacy and accuracy of the text for today′s student― Chapter 11: Contrasts of Carnival: Mardi Gras Between the Modern and Postmodern and Chapter 12: Negotiating the Social Landscape to Create Social Change.
- Incorporates substantive changes: Material has been updated throughout with significant changes to Chapters 1, 3, 8, and 13.
- Includes more discussion questions: There are now five discussion questions instead of three per reading.
- Makes the content more accessible and relevant for students: 13 original essays written by current theorists illustrate the connection between research, theory, and issue.
- Offers substantial introductions by the Editor: These introductions help link the applied essays to a complete review of the classical and modern social theories used in the book.
Intended Audience This text is a perfect supplement for undergraduate courses such as Sociological Theory and Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory as well as for Introductory Sociology courses in departments of sociology.
Contributor to the SAGE/Pine Forge ASA Teaching Innovations & Professional Development Awards Fund
Peter Kivisto is Richard A. Swanson Professor of Social Thought and Chair of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Welfare at Augustana College and Finland Distinguished Professor at the University of Turku. His current research involves a collaborative project on multiculturalism with colleagues in Finland. His interests include immigration, social integration, citizenship, and religion. Among his recent books are Key Ideas in Sociology (2011), Illuminating Social Life (2011); Beyond a Border: The Causes and Consequences of Contemporary Immigration (2010, with Thomas Faist); Citizenship: Discourse, Theory and Transnational Prospects (2007, with Thomas Faist); and Intersecting Inequalities (2007, with Elizabeth Hartung). He serves on the editorial boards of Contexts, Ethnic and Racial Studies, Journal of Intercultural Studies, and on the Publication Committee for Sociology of Religion.
