Sociology

• Deals clearly with the full complexity of sociological issues, examining questions of theory and method in all the substantive chapters, and presenting clear accounts of major studies.
• Applies sociology to important issues of contemporary debate, such as global warming, faith schools, and violence in the media.
• Integrates the subject by bringing different topics together through connection boxes, while also covering the full range of approaches to particular issues.
• Takes full account of globalizing processes with 'Global boxes' and international examples throughout the text but also emphasizes local responses; providing a strong 'local-global' balance.
• The use of case studies and the highly visual appeal with use of over 100 colour photos, help to bring the subject to life.
• 'Workshops' that consolidate the end-of-chapter material.
• 'Media Watch' stories that examine articles from the media and relate them back to the core chapter issues.
• Useful hints and cross-references to help you build connections.
• Full index highlights the page numbers where key concepts are discussed.

New to this edition

• A new 'Concepts and Theories' section in each chapter to introduce each topic.
• Greater coverage of feminist theories and post-modern theories.
• More attention to global perspectives, with a diverse selection of global examples.
• Greater integration of new technologies with increased coverage of online identities, cyber ethnography, and the digital world throughout the text.
• Discussion of the relationship between social networking sites and the media.
• New developments in education, with a new section on disability.
• Greater coverage of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, taking account of devolution.
• A discussion of sharia law.
• Analysis of the current crisis of capitalism and the state's response to it.
• New material on sex work and AIDS.
• New material on the sociology of sport.
• Expanded online resource centre with new features including: guidance on careers available to students; and guide to discussion points at the end of chapter.

Readership: Undergraduate students on Sociology, Criminology, Psychology, Social Science, Social Policy, and Social Work degree courses.

James Fulcher, Honorary University Fellow, Department of Sociology, University of Leicester, and John Scott, Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology, and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Plymouth

Dr James Fulcher is an Honorary University Fellow in the Department of Sociology at the University of Leicester.

Professor John Scott is Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology, and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Plymouth

Part One - Thinking Sociologically: Theories and Methods
1: What is sociology?
2: Theories and theorizing
3: Methods and research
Part Two - Social Identities
4: Socialization, identity, and interaction
5: Sex, gender, and sexuality
6: Racial and ethnic identities
7: Crime and deviance
8: Body, health, and medicine
Part Three - Culture, Knowledge, and Belief
9: Education
10: Communication and the media
11: Religion, belief, and meaning
Part Four - Social Organization and Control
12: Family and life course
13: Cities and communities
14: Organization, management, and control
15: The state, social policy and welfare
16: Globalization
Part Five - Production, Inequalities, and Social Divisions
17: Work, employment, and leisure
18: Inequality, poverty, and wealth
19: Stratification, class, and status
20: Power, division, and protest