Sociology - Hardcover

Light, Donald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0394318226 ISBN 13: 9780394318226

Publisher: Knopf: distributed by Random House, 1975

Synopsis

This introductory text adopts a strong cross-cultural focus and an eclectic approach to current topics, with social policy sections. This edition features new sections including global perspectives on women, international crime rates and US population policies overseas - plus a new chapter, "Social Inequality Worldwide". Three new supplements include an annotated instructor's edition, a critical thinking guide, and a brief English for non-native speakers guide. Balanced treatment of the three major sociological perspectives functionalism conflict theory, interactionism. Applies theoretical and research material to contemporary polticy issues (unique to this text) making sociology relevant for every student. continuous use f cross-cultural examples; coverage of issues affecting women thoughout text not just in gender stratification. (example - women and politics chapter - chapter 15). A new chapter on cross-cultural issues "Social Inequality Worldwide" (ch. 9) that includes an extended case study on stratification in Brazil, modernization in Kenya and inequality in Japan among other issues. Twenty-two new boxes, including "The Eloquence of Sign-language", "Self Help Groups", "Blaming the Victim", "The Process of Role Exit", and "Motorists as Welfare Recipients". Seven new social policy sections (tied to the text with a set of three or four questions for each) on such topics as sexual harassment, catastrophic health care, family leave, inequalities in school financing, and homelessness. New sections on topics such as the underclass (ch. 8) school choice programs (ch. 16), and the conflict view of urban growth (ch. 18).

About this title

About the Author:

Growing up in Chicago at a time when neighborhoods were going through transitions in ethnic and racial composition, Richard T. Schaefer found himself increasingly intrigued by what was happening, how people were reacting, and how these changes were affecting neighborhoods and people’s jobs. His interest in social issues caused him to gravitate to sociology courses at Northwestern University, where he received a B.A. in Sociology. "Originally as an undergraduate I thought I would go on to law school and become a lawyer. But after taking a few sociology courses, I found myself wanting to learn more about what sociologists studied and fascinated by the kinds of questions they raised." This fascination led him to obtain his M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Chicago. Dr. Schaefer’s continuing interest in race relations led him to write his masters’ thesis on the membership of the Ku Klux Klan and his doctoral thesis on racial prejudice and race relations in Great Britain. Dr. Schaefer went on to become a professor of sociology. He has taught introductory sociology for 30 years to students in colleges, adult education programs, nursing programs, and even a maximum-security prison. Dr. Schaefer’s love of teaching is apparent in his interaction with his students. "I find myself constantly learning from the students who are in my classes and from reading what they write. Their insights into the material we read or current events that we discuss often become part of future course material and sometimes even find their way into my writing." Dr. Schaefer is author of the third edition of Sociology: A Brief Introduction (McGraw-Hill, 2000). Dr. Schaefer is also the author of Racial and Ethnic Groups now in its eighth edition, and Race and Ethnicity in the United States, second edition. His articles and book reviews have appeared in many journals, including American Journal of Sociology, Phylon: A Review of Race and Culture, Contemporary Sociology, Sociology and Social Research, Sociological Quarterly, and Teaching Sociology. He served as president of the Midwest Sociological Society in 1994-1995. Dr. Schaefer’s advice to students is to "look at the material and make connections to your own life and experiences. Sociology will make you a more attentive observer of how people in groups interact and function. It will also make you more aware of peoples’ different needs and interests — and perhaps more ready to work for the common good, while still recognizing the individuality of each person."

About this edition

• Publisher: Knopf: distributed by Random House
• Publication date: 1975
• ISBN 10: 0394318226
• ISBN 13: 9780394318226
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 570