Sociology: Making Sense of Society

The fourth edition of this respected introductory text to Sociology continues to approach the discipline in an accessible but rigorous way. A solid theoretical and methodological introduction is followed by in-depth coverage of social insitutions and divisions. Brand new chapters cover the following issues: `Race, Ethnicity and Nationalism', `Environment',`Disability and the Body', `Global Divisions', `Families and Households', `Health, Illness and the Body', and `Religion'. All other chapters have been fully revised.

Theory is illustrated and applied through contemporary examples, and students are also provided with reflective opportunities throughout. The text is highly illustrated in full colour, with images, tables and empirical data, and students are encouraged to engage with excerpts of primary readings. Substantial case studies, 'closer look' boxes and activities afford opportunities for discussion, extension and seminar work.

Sociology: making sense of society remains essential reading for students of sociology, criminology, social policy, social work, cultural studies, media studies, anthropology and other related subjects. Features

* New chapters on `Race, Ethnicity and Nationalism', `Disability and the Body', `Global Divisions', `Families and Households', `Health, Illness and the Body', and `Religion'. All other chapters have been fully revised
* Combines the local and the global, solid foundations of theory with contemporary examples, and primary material and reflective opportunities
* A solid theoretical and methodological introduction is followed by a depth of coverage of social institutions and divisions
* Highly illustrated and now presented in a 4-colour design, the text includes images, tables and empirical data
* Students are encouraged to engage with excerpts of primary readings and reflect at every opportunity. End-of-chapter activities provide projects for discussion and extension of study and debate
* Substantial case studies, 'closer look' boxes and Activities afford opportunities for discussion, extension and seminar work
* Expert contributions cover all the key areas of Sociology
* New 4-Part structure and Introductions - The Sociological Imagination; Social Divisions; Sociology of Everyday Life; Knowledge and Power - bring intellectual coherence and a more holistic sociological view, as well as clearer navigation within the book
* Key sociological themes are identified, explained and connected as part of a coherent and comprehensible sociological narrative - particularly social construction, stratification, inequality and identity, social problems, continuity and change, meanings, and the personal and the public
* Rich new website resources provide extensive study support, including: topic-by-topic suggestions and guidance for projects, activities, debates, and research pathways, as well as multiple-choice questions, chapter-by-chapter links to interactive multimedia, and an instructor's manual

Samantha Punch is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at University of StirlingJeni Harden is Senior Lecturer in Social Science and Health at University of Edinburgh Ian Marsh is Principal Lecturer in Criminology at Liverpool Hope UniversityMike Keating was formerly Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology at Liverpool Hope University