offers a comprehensive update‚ featuring revised coverage of inequality‚ new theoretical tools‚ and enhanced digital resources for students.
1.1 Overview of the Book’s Structure and Content
is organized into five main parts‚ each focusing on key sociological themes. Part I introduces the study of sociology‚ while Parts II–V explore the individual and society‚ social institutions‚ social inequality‚ and social change. Each chapter follows a consistent structure‚ blending theoretical concepts with real-world examples and critical thinking exercises to engage students and deepen their understanding of societal dynamics.
1.2 Key Features of the 12th Edition
includes revised coverage of inequality‚ new in-text tools for understanding theory‚ and enhanced digital resources. It offers a streamlined format with a consistent four-part chapter structure‚ making complex concepts accessible. Adaptive learning platforms like InQuizitive and unmatched digital support ensure students master the material. The edition emphasizes pressing social issues‚ equipping students with a robust sociological toolkit to analyze modern society effectively.
1.3 Importance of the 12th Edition in Sociology Education
is a cornerstone in undergraduate education‚ providing foundational concepts‚ theories‚ and research. Its updated focus on inequality and globalization addresses contemporary issues‚ fostering critical thinking. The book’s accessible format and digital tools enhance student engagement‚ making it an essential resource for understanding sociology’s relevance in today’s complex‚ interconnected world.
Part I: The Study of Sociology
Part I introduces foundational concepts‚ exploring sociology’s scope and methods. Chapters 1 and 2 focus on defining sociology and developing sociological inquiry skills‚ providing a clear framework for understanding the discipline.
2.1 Chapter 1: What is Sociology?
Chapter 1: What is Sociology? introduces the discipline’s core concepts‚ exploring its significance‚ key theories‚ and research methods. It defines sociology as the systematic study of human social behavior‚ examining how individuals interact within larger social structures. The chapter emphasizes the sociological imagination‚ enabling students to connect personal experiences with broader societal patterns. By understanding sociology’s scope and relevance‚ readers gain a foundation for analyzing social worlds effectively in the 12th edition.
2.2 Chapter 2: Asking and Answering Sociological Questions
Chapter 2: Asking and Answering Sociological Questions guides students in developing a sociological mindset. It explores how sociologists formulate questions‚ collect data‚ and analyze results using scientific methods. The chapter emphasizes the role of theory in shaping research and understanding social phenomena. By introducing key concepts like observation‚ experimentation‚ and evidence-based reasoning‚ it equips readers with tools to critically assess societal issues and apply sociological principles effectively in their studies and real-world contexts.
Part II: The Individual and Society
Part II examines the interplay between individuals and societal structures‚ focusing on culture‚ socialization‚ and everyday interactions in the digital age‚ shaping human behavior and identity formation processes.
3;1 Chapter 3: Culture and Society
Chapter 3 explores the intricate relationship between culture and society‚ examining how cultural norms‚ values‚ and symbols shape human behavior. It discusses globalization’s impact on cultural diversity‚ highlighting the interplay between local traditions and global influences. The chapter also delves into the role of language‚ technology‚ and social media in shaping cultural identities‚ offering insights into how societies maintain cohesion while embracing change in a rapidly evolving world.
3.2 Chapter 4: Socialization and the Life Cycle
Chapter 4 examines the process of socialization‚ focusing on how individuals learn and internalize cultural norms‚ values‚ and roles throughout their lives. It explores key stages of the life cycle‚ from childhood to old age‚ and the role of family‚ education‚ and peers in shaping identity. The chapter also discusses how societal expectations and institutions influence personal development‚ emphasizing the interplay between individual agency and structural forces in forming human behavior and societal integration.
3;3 Chapter 5: Social Interaction and Everyday Life in the Age of the Internet
Chapter 5 explores how the internet has transformed social interaction‚ reshaping communication‚ relationships‚ and identity formation. It examines the rise of digital culture‚ online communities‚ and the blurring of boundaries between public and private spaces. The chapter also discusses the implications of social media on self-presentation‚ virtual networks‚ and the changing dynamics of everyday life in an increasingly connected yet fragmented world‚ offering insights into the sociological consequences of digitalization.
Part III: Social Institutions
This section examines key social institutions‚ including families‚ education‚ religion‚ work‚ and politics‚ exploring their roles in shaping individual and societal structures‚ and influencing human behavior.
4.1 Chapter 6: Families and Intimate Relationships
Chapter 6 explores the transformations in family structures and intimate relationships‚ emphasizing diversity in modern societies. It discusses changing gender roles‚ same-sex partnerships‚ and the impact of globalization and digital technology on personal connections‚ offering insights into how societal shifts reshape intimate lives and family dynamics.
4.2 Chapter 7: Education
Chapter 7 examines the role of education in society‚ focusing on its function in socialization‚ inequality‚ and social mobility. It explores how educational systems reproduce social structures and opportunities‚ addressing issues like access‚ achievement gaps‚ and the impact of globalization and technology on learning. The chapter highlights the transformative potential of education in shaping individual and societal futures.
4.3 Chapter 8: Religion
Chapter 8 explores the complex relationship between religion and society‚ examining its role in shaping values‚ norms‚ and social cohesion. It discusses how religion influences identity‚ morality‚ and power structures‚ while also addressing the impact of modernity‚ globalization‚ and secularization on religious practices. The chapter highlights diverse religious traditions and their interactions with contemporary social issues‚ illustrating religion’s enduring relevance in shaping individual and collective life.
4.4 Chapter 9: Work and Economic Life
Chapter 9 examines the transformation of work and economic life in modern societies‚ emphasizing the impact of globalization‚ technological advancements‚ and shifting labor markets. It explores how these changes have influenced job security‚ income inequality‚ and the rise of the gig economy. The chapter also addresses the role of capitalism‚ labor rights‚ and the challenges of balancing economic growth with social welfare‚ providing insights into the evolving nature of work in the 21st century.
4.5 Chapter 10: Politics and Government
Chapter 10 delves into the dynamics of politics and government‚ exploring how power is distributed and exercised within societies. It examines the role of the state‚ political ideologies‚ and the impact of globalization on governance. The chapter also discusses social movements‚ democratic participation‚ and the challenges posed by modern political systems. By analyzing these topics‚ it highlights the interplay between political structures and social inequality‚ offering insights into the evolving nature of governance in contemporary societies.
Part IV: Social Inequality
Explores the dimensions of social inequality‚ including class‚ race‚ gender‚ and aging. The 12th edition provides comprehensive coverage of inequality’s local and global impacts.
5.1 Chapter 11: Class and Stratification
Chapter 11 examines the structures and dynamics of class and stratification‚ exploring how social inequality is organized and perpetuated. It discusses theoretical frameworks‚ including Marxist and Weberian perspectives‚ to analyze economic and social hierarchies. The chapter also addresses contemporary issues like globalization‚ capitalism‚ and the intersection of class with race and gender‚ providing insights into how stratification shapes individual and collective experiences in modern societies.
5.2 Chapter 12: Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 12 delves into the sociological analysis of race and ethnicity‚ exploring their social construction and impact on identity and inequality. It examines how these categories shape experiences of prejudice‚ discrimination‚ and racism‚ while also addressing the intersectionality of race with class‚ gender‚ and other social factors. The chapter highlights contemporary issues‚ such as racial disparities in education and criminal justice‚ and global perspectives on ethnic conflicts and multiculturalism‚ emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these concepts in understanding societal divisions.
5.3 Chapter 13: Gender and Sexuality
Chapter 13 investigates the social dynamics of gender and sexuality‚ focusing on how these constructs are culturally defined and reinforced. It explores the intersectionality of gender with race‚ class‚ and ethnicity‚ examining how societal norms shape gender roles and inequalities. The chapter also delves into the evolution of sexual identities‚ discussing LGBTQ+ rights and challenges. By addressing contemporary debates‚ the text highlights the fluidity of gender and sexuality in modern society‚ emphasizing their role in social change and individual identity.
5.4 Chapter 14: Aging and the Life Course
Chapter 14 examines the social dimensions of aging and the life course‚ exploring how societal structures shape experiences across different life stages. It discusses aging as a process influenced by culture‚ economics‚ and policy‚ emphasizing the diversity of aging experiences. The chapter also addresses challenges like ageism and healthcare‚ while highlighting the contributions of older individuals to society. This section provides a comprehensive understanding of aging within a global and inequality-focused context.
Part V: Social Change in the Modern World
Part V explores globalization‚ environmental issues‚ health‚ and the future of sociology. It examines how global forces shape societies and the challenges of modern social change.
6.1 Chapter 15: Globalization and Social Change
Chapter 15 explores globalization’s profound impact on social structures‚ cultural dynamics‚ and economic practices. It examines how global forces shape inequalities‚ influence cultural homogenization‚ and transform labor markets. The chapter highlights the interplay between local and global processes‚ emphasizing the role of technology and transnational networks in fostering social change. Students gain insights into the complexities of globalization and its far-reaching effects on modern societies.
6.2 Chapter 16: The Environment and Society
Chapter 16 delves into the intricate relationship between the environment and society‚ focusing on how human activities impact ecosystems. It discusses key issues like climate change‚ sustainability‚ and environmental justice‚ highlighting sociological perspectives on these challenges. The chapter explores how social structures‚ economic systems‚ and cultural values influence environmental practices‚ emphasizing the need for collective action to address global environmental problems in the 21st century.
6.3 Chapter 17: Health and Illness
Chapter 17 examines the social dimensions of health and illness‚ exploring how societal factors shape health outcomes and experiences. It discusses the social determinants of health‚ medicalization‚ and the impact of inequality on access to care. The chapter also addresses contemporary issues like the COVID-19 pandemic‚ emphasizing how sociological perspectives help understand the interplay between health‚ illness‚ and society‚ while highlighting the role of healthcare systems in addressing global health challenges.
6.4 Chapter 18: The Future of Sociology
Chapter 18 explores the evolving role of sociology in understanding future societal challenges‚ such as globalization‚ technology‚ and climate change. It highlights emerging research areas like digital sociology and environmental sociology‚ emphasizing the need for innovative methodologies. The chapter encourages students to apply sociological theory to address global issues‚ ensuring the discipline remains relevant in shaping a better understanding of our complex and changing world.
The Authors and Their Contributions
Renowned sociologist Anthony Giddens leads the team‚ offering deep insights into globalization and modernization. Mitchell Duneier contributes expertise in urban studies‚ while Richard P. Appelbaum focuses on globalization and labor issues. Deborah Carr specializes in aging and the life course‚ enriching the textbook’s comprehensive coverage.
7.1 Anthony Giddens: A Renowned Sociologist
Anthony Giddens‚ a world-renowned sociologist and former director of the London School of Economics‚ has authored over 40 books. His work on modernization theory and globalization is seminal. As a member of the House of Lords‚ he brings a unique perspective to sociological thought. The 12th edition reflects his expertise‚ offering updated insights into inequality and digital tools‚ making it a trusted resource for understanding contemporary society.
7.2 Mitchell Duneier: Urban Ethnographer
Mitchell Duneier‚ an award-winning urban ethnographer‚ is known for his groundbreaking work on marginalized communities. His book Sidewalk won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Duneier’s research focuses on the urban poor‚ exploring their lived experiences. His contributions to the 12th edition enrich the textbook with vivid ethnographic insights‚ bridging sociological theory with real-world issues‚ making complex concepts accessible to students.
7.3 Richard P. Appelbaum: Expert on Globalization
Richard P. Appelbaum is a distinguished scholar specializing in globalization and labor issues. He is the co-author of Behind the Label and co-editor of Critical Globalization Studies; Appelbaum’s expertise brings a global perspective to the textbook‚ examining how economic systems shape societies. His work emphasizes the interconnectedness of global processes and their impact on local communities‚ offering students a nuanced understanding of globalization’s complexities and its role in shaping modern societies.
7.4 Deborah Carr: Specialist in Aging and Life Course
Deborah Carr is a leading sociologist specializing in aging and the life course. She is a professor at Boston University and serves as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences. Her research explores psychosocial influences on health‚ aging‚ and end-of-life issues. Carr’s contributions to the textbook provide deep insights into the sociological aspects of aging‚ offering students a comprehensive understanding of how societal structures shape individual life trajectories and experiences across different stages of life.
Features of the 12th Edition
The 12th edition features revised coverage of inequality‚ new in-text tools for understanding theory‚ and enhanced digital resources to aid student learning and engagement with sociological concepts.
8.1 Revised Coverage of Local and Global Impacts of Inequality
The 12th edition provides a thorough examination of inequality‚ addressing both local and global dimensions. It explores how economic disparities‚ social exclusion‚ and access to resources shape societies worldwide. The revised content offers insights into the interconnectedness of inequality across different regions‚ emphasizing its impact on social structures‚ institutions‚ and individual opportunities. This section is essential for understanding the complexities of inequality in our increasingly interconnected world.
8.2 New In-Text Tools for Understanding Theory
The 12th edition introduces innovative in-text tools designed to enhance students’ grasp of sociological theory. These tools provide clear explanations and practical examples‚ making complex concepts more accessible. They encourage critical thinking and application of theories to real-world issues‚ helping students connect abstract ideas with contemporary social challenges. This feature equips learners with a deeper understanding of theoretical frameworks and their relevance in analyzing modern society.
8.3 Enhanced Digital Resources
The 12th edition includes enhanced digital resources‚ such as Norton’s award-winning InQuizitive platform‚ designed to improve student engagement and understanding. Interactive exercises‚ quizzes‚ and visual aids complement the textbook‚ offering personalized learning paths and real-time feedback. These tools help students master key concepts‚ apply theories‚ and explore sociological topics in depth‚ making the learning experience more dynamic and effective for both instructors and learners.
remains a cornerstone in undergraduate education‚ providing foundational insights into sociological concepts‚ theories‚ and research‚ equipping students to critically analyze and understand modern society.
9.1 Role in Undergraduate Sociology Education
is a cornerstone in undergraduate programs‚ offering a streamlined approach to key concepts‚ theories‚ and research. Its structured format‚ including InQuizitive‚ an adaptive learning tool‚ helps students master content. The book’s accessible style and coverage of pressing issues make it ideal for fostering critical thinking and sociological imagination among undergraduates‚ preparing them to navigate and analyze modern societal challenges effectively.
9.2 Impact on Sociological Thought and Research
significantly influences sociological thought by providing a robust framework for understanding modern societal dynamics. Its integration of current research and theoretical tools enables students and scholars to engage critically with global issues. The book’s emphasis on inequality‚ globalization‚ and digital interaction shapes contemporary research agendas‚ making it a trusted resource for advancing sociological knowledge and inquiry in academia and beyond.
