The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology

The most relevant textbook for today’s students, The Real World succeeds in classrooms because it focuses on the perspective that students care about most―their own.

The Real World shows students how personally relevant sociology can be with a clever mix of popular culture, everyday life, and extensive student activities. Professors describe the book as “hip and accessible,” and students love the authors’ contemporary examples and emphasis on students’ experiences.

The Real World is the only book to integrate Data Workshops into every chapter, giving students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the practice of sociology. New to the Second Edition are “Theory in Everyday Life” tables, which apply key sociological theories to real life.

Kerry Ferris is Associate Professor of Sociology at Northern Illinois University. She uses ethnographic methods to study fame as a system of social power. Currently, she is researching the lives of professional celebrity impersonators and also analyzing the emotions communicated by celebrities in red-carpet interviews.

Jill Stein is Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Santa Barbara City College. In addition to teaching Introduction to Sociology every semester, she has studied narrative processes in 12-step programs, the role of popular culture in higher learning, and group culture among professional rock musicians.