Social Problems in a Diverse Society, Second Canadian Edition

The Second Canadian edition of Social Problems in a Diverse Society focuses in particular on the significance of ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, class, and gender in the examination of the causes of social problems. People, especially those from marginalized groups, are shown not merely as “victims”, but as individuals who resist discrimination and inequality and seek to bring about change in families, schools, workplaces, and society at large.

Four primary sociological perspectives (conflict, feminist, interactionist, and functionalist) are employed in every chapter. The authors invite students to analyze in a practical manner how social policy reflects the various interests and values of the stakeholders involved, both in Canada and globally.

The new 13 chapter organization and reduced length improves the fit for one-semester courses, and the revised interior design increases accessibility. Current census material and improved boxed features will help students understand and apply their knowledge to the social world in which we live. Students will find this text an interesting and informative introduction to a mind-opening field of study. 

Vicki Nygaard teaches undergraduate courses at several British Columbia academic institutions, and is actively engaged in community development work, research, and writing.  Her areas of research include sexuality, racism and globalization.  Nygaard is an innovative and dedicated professor. 

Edward Thompson teaches regularly in the sociology department at the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and the University of Waterloo.  He is also a frequent lecturer at Sheridan and Humber Colleges. His areas of research include health care and age.  Thompson brings years of university and community college teaching and “hands on” experience to this text, most recently as coordinator in charge of planning the Health Studies Program in the department of Sociology at the University of Toronto.