Product Description
Readings for Sociology provides students with engaging selections that reveal the complexities of our social world and offer insights into sociological analysis. With over 20% of the selections new to the book, Readings for Sociology includes work from popular and academic journals as well as lively book excerpts. While Readings for Sociology is comprehensive in its scope, offering a wide range of selections on the standard topics in the introductory course, the new edition features several essays on the sociology of food and the environment. The book also continues to emphasize coverage globalization; social inequality; and race, class, and gender. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great readings
As a reader, Massey has a ton of variety in his selection of articles. Many of them kept my interest, which - as a college student - isn't that easy to keep. Interesting viewpoints in articles too.

Nice selections.Great editing
There are some good readings in here.I believe that some of them have been edited down for content, which works.For a book that I had to read it is pretty enjoyable. ... Read more

Product Description

Seeing Sociology in Everyday Life

John Macionis shares his enthusiasm, excitement and teaching experience with a clear and engaging writing style that connects with students. Macionis', Sociology, 13th edition is designed to help students see the relevance of the sociological theories and ideas that inform their own lives.

Four main themes are found throughout the text:

Seeing Sociology in Everyday Life

Social Diversity

Global Comparisons

Critical Thinking

The new edition has an innovate new design, contemporary and compelling student applications, plus a wealth of author-written and author-managed supplemental material. This revision elevates Sociology's high standard of excellence, ensuring that it remains one of the foremost introductory sociology resources for students and instructors alike.

Customer Reviews (6)

Books for school!
Got the book in plenty of time for school.It was in outstanding condition and saved over 50% of what it would have cost if I bought it at the College bookstore.

Perfect
Correct item shipped expeditiously with great follow up. You are a wonderful asset to this community.

Kind regards

Bazyli

One of the Best Intro Sociology Textbooks Ever Written
As a Sociology professor I have used and reviewed dozens of introductory sociology textbooks over the years, and Macionis Sociology is the one I always come back to.Although it is not perfect, it is simply one of the best.Why? Here are the major reasons:

1) Clear writing that is easily understood by students who are at a basic learning level and yet challenging to advanced students.
2) Comprehensive coverage of all major areas of the discipline of sociology with very thorough citation of most of the essential scholars in the field, including scholars with a variety of viewpoints.
3) Outstanding use of art, photography, graphs, maps and tables to engage visual learners.
4) Practical, real world examples to engage concrete learners.
5) An extensive and exhaustive bibliography that serves as an invaluable research tool for students.
6) Concise chapter summaries that serve as effective study guides for tests and exams.
7) Evenhanded discussion and debate guidelines for controversial topics.
8) Exceptional incorporation of international sociology and international examples.

In short, you will find intro textbooks that are more advanced, others that are more basic, but few as comprehensive as Macionis Sociology. There is a reason it is now in its 13th Edition.

Very poorly written, lots of misleading info
First, this book was written with a typical left-wing agenda.I found it to be completely un-objective.

Second, there are countless misleading statistics and twisted facts.There are also countless out of date facts.

Third, there are also countless made-up "facts" with NO citation.These are opinions that are being presented as facts without any supporting evidence.

I can't believe this book is being used to teach Sociology classes.

Never recieved item
Never recieved item. Item returned to seller via USPS as undeliverable. Most items ship UPS and is never a problem. Seller did not specify item was to be sent by US Postal service. Bought this book for my son for a college course. Had to purchase elsewhere. Course will probably be over by the time this gets resolved. Have asked for a refund several times through emails & phone call. Won't return call or emails and NO refund as of yet. Very disappointing since most sellers on amazon are great. ... Read more

Product Description

Adapted from Henslin’s best-selling comprehensive text, Core Concepts provides in-depth coverage of ten high-priority topics that are the foundation of many introductory sociology courses.

This unique paperback offers a concise and economical format without sacrificing depth of coverage. Unlike a “brief” or “essentials” text, the ten chapters that make up Core Concepts are not edited down from a longer book. Instead, they provide full coverage of those topics that instructors emphasize the most in a one-semester or one-term introductory sociology course. Like Henslin’s other texts, it features the author's familiar “down-to-earth” approach and personal writing style that highlight the sociology of everyday life. With wit, personal reflection, and illuminating examples, Henslin shares with readers a passion for sociology unmatched by any other introductory text.

Customer Reviews (12)

Book
shipping was ok. the reading wasn't that difficult and this book seemed to do an ok job conveying its message.

Quality
a very good textbook thats came quickly and in perfect quality i have no complaints!

Fast service
I got the book in less than a week and it was in GOOD condition.I was a little skeptical about buying a USED book without looking at it, but it was in the condition stated.

Perfect and beyond
This was ten times better than the description. I love it. Amazing seller and a great product. HIGHLY recommended! Thank you! Such good prices!

when you order,its because you NEED the book.
I ordered the book and got a confirmation. Several days later, after all the used books were sold from the book store I got a notice that the seller did not have the book in stock. It was too late to order on line again, as my duaghter needed the book. I had to scour campus to try and find the book used,as new it was very expensive. I had to pay twice as much for a used one that I swould have had to pay on line.
Yes I hate this deal...... ... Read more

Product Description
SOCIOLOGY is truly a classic introductory text which introduces students to the methods and theories of sociology using Rodney Stark's hallmark "Over the Shoulder of a professional sociologist" approach, presenting sociology on a personal level. Stark describes what sociologists do and how they do it, focusing first on the questions they pose and how they search for and formulate their answers, and then moving on to study their answers and conclusions. In this way, he effectively explores themes, raising issues in a straightforward manner with historical accuracy and solid research. The text employs a unique feature titled "A Closer View," which illustrates seminal research studies to introduce students to the sociological imagination and the world around them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

What was Promised
Book arrived in the condition promised.It also arrived by the guaranteed date, however, it was right at the end.Usually, books don't this long to reach their destination, but seller has little control over shipping.

Great
The book is in great condition and it was cheaper than buying it at the school book store. ... Read more

Product Description

Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach is heralded by students and instructors alike as the most friendly and inviting introduction to sociology available. James Henslin guides students on an intellectual voyage through through the sociological imagination, helping them better understanding both themselves and their world. With humor, personal reflection and illuminating examples, he shares with readers his passion for sociology.

Six central themes run throughout the text: down-to-earth sociology, globalization, cultural diversity, critical thinking, the new technology and the influence of mass media on everyday life. Each of these themes is reflected in the central narrative, in boxed features throughout the text, and in MySocLab.

Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach 9th edition is the first edition of Henslin's to feature integration with MySocLab. MySocLab now features diagnostic quizzing, Social Explorer activities, The Way We Live video actitivies, links to The Social Lens blog, and over 100 primary source readings.

Product Description

The title says it all. This tenth edition of the best-selling Sociology is a comprehensive book and multimedia package that offers readers a global perspective to help them better understand their own lives, provides a strong focus on social diversity that allows them to see the impact of race, class, and gender, and focuses on critical thinking. With technology integrated throughout, this new edition features new research citations, more social theory applications, additional references to pop culture linking directly to sociological material. Covering all aspects of sociology, this book describes sociological investigation, culture, society, interaction in everyday life, groups and organizations, deviance, sexuality, social stratification, social class in the United States, global inequality, gender stratification, race and ethnicity, aging, the economy, politics and government, family, religion, education, health and medicine, population and urbanization, collective behavior and social movements, and social change. An excellent resource for professionals in the field of sociology, this book is also an excellent read for non-academic hobbyists and life-long learners.

Customer Reviews (12)

Good Price
I was forced to buy this book for a class that never used it. The price was a lot cheaper than the bookstore, so it was a good deal.

GREAT BOOK!!!
Great book! It seemed new... there wasn't a dent or scratch or marking in it. I didn't expect that for the cheap price! Plus, shipping was super cheap. GREAT BUY!

Sociology Book
This book was really helpful for my class and I learned a lot from it.

Very fast and great product!
Book arrived in great condition.I was extremely pleased on how quickly it arrived.Thanks!

Student Perfect
The book is great and I got the study guide as well. I saved a ton! Thanks for student perfect prices! ... Read more

Product Description
This is a black and white reproduction of the original edition including imperfections. These books have been a source of inspiration, joy and enlightenment to millions through the ages. Now they can be yours. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Kindle edition not worth the money
I bought this book and was given a refund, but I want to let people know that they're better off buying a printed copy of the book. The Kindle version is a cheaply produced version.

This Kindle version has numerous errors in spelling and formatting. It was obviously scanned and OCR'd from the printed text, but has not been proofread. For instance, these words are at the first Kindle location: "X rel;" and "reiace." I assume that's supposed to be something like page "X" and "Preface." But if Amazon can't be bothered to fix simple errors like that at the first location in the text (which would be the first page of the printed edition), then what other errors have been allowed to slide through the rest of the text? My favorite error is between locations 21-33. I found this word, "5jBa039." I can't even guess what that's supposed to say.

I'm an academic and it's quite important that I have a reliable text to work with. This book is not ready for prime time, and needs serious word-by-word editing by a professional. They shouldn't even be selling this book.

As promised!I'm delighted.
Excellent in speed to get the prodcut to me, Great Quality in the product.

Thanks.

Don't buy this edition
I strongly recommend that you don't buy that edition in any circumstance! It's just a photocopy, with lots of underline. Some pages are really hard to read. Funny thing: it's a expensive "edition". My opinion: Amazon must drop out this item from the bookstore. Really.

Outrageous
As another review has mentioned, this is just a photocopy -- literally, a photocopy, printed and bound, complete with UNDERLINING by the previous owner. This is absolutely ridiculous and I can't believe Amazon sells it. I'll be returning this immediately, calling amazon and complaining very loudly, and buying a real book.

Just a reprinted photocopy of USED 1946 edition with UNDERLINING
This is the worst quality book I have ever purchased.The publisher (it appears to be booksllc.net) just photocopied at 1946 Oxford University Press edition, complete with faded print and the previous owner's UNDERLINING (!!!!), and made a print run.I will be returning this outrage immediately and purchasing the 1958 Oxford edition instead. ... Read more

Product Description
This new Eighth Edition of SOCIOLOGY IN A CHANGING WORLD will help you visualize sociology all around you! Let this experienced author help you explore the reality of social change and its impact on individuals, groups, and societies throughout the world. SOCIOLOGY IN A CHANGING WORLD uses the theme of social change to tie together the many elements of sociology while it helps you develop an understanding of the science. Soon, you will begin to see real sociology at work in the world everyday. You?ll examine the social epidemiology of AIDS and the growing obesity epidemic, collective behavior, including fads, fashions, rumor, gossip, panic, and mass hysteria, aging in a global perspective, and gay and lesbian relationships and families. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Lifesaver
I looked high and low for a used book and found it on amazon.Received book right on time and in good condution for me to study and get a "B" on my first test.

Item as described, fast shipping,but delayed comunication...
Item was as described, the shipping was fast, but the communication with the seller was not quick, I send couple of e-mails and it took to long for seller to respond back, when I requested the cancellation of the order was when the seller wrote me back, from that point everything was smooth and better, Seller needs to work on comunicating faster with buyers. But Thanks!!!...

Came Right On Time!
my book came exactly on the day i was expecting to receive it. it was neatly packaged and without damage. thanks so much for the speedy and excellent service.

Great condition right price
Book arrive in a matter of 10 days.Book was in great condition.Love my book.

excately as what the seller describes
The textbook is almost like new, exactly as what the seller describes. Only few floded paper in the first two pages. ... Read more

Product Description
This economical paperback text is theoretically balanced, offers global perspectives, shows how sociology is applied to real problems, and contains a built-in study guide. This introduction to sociology uses the three major theoretical perspectives--functionalist, conflict, and interactionist--as tools for examining the social world. The author uses illuminating examples to show how society works and how human behavior is shaped by cultural, structural, and institutional forces. As in previous editions, the Seventh Edition also integrates two other themes that reflect contemporary trends in sociology. The first is a reemergence of interest in how sociological knowledge can be applied to social problems or to helping people improve their lives. The second is the recognition that societies and cultures are becoming increasingly diverse and interdependent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Misprint in book, strange.
I was very thankful to find this book, however, when I started using it I realized that the first 30 pages were duplicated in the book.Very unusual, and annoying.

Sociology: Concepts and Applications in a Diverse World
I bought this book because it cost less than what my school was selling it for in the book store. ... Read more

Product Description
This best-selling comprehensive book conveys the relevance of sociology by including a timely collection of theories, research, and examples, including its signature first-person accounts that open chapters. Experiences represented in the chapter openers accurately mirror the richness and complexity of society itself while also establishing the themes that are carried throughout the chapters. The author's vivid, inviting writing style, emphasis on applications, eye for the most compelling current examples, and use of assignable photo-essays and companion video engages readers and further highlights sociology relevance to all students. Kendall's text is acclaimed in the field for being the first textbook to integrate race, class, and gender issues, and for its thorough presentation of sociological theory, including contemporary perspectives such as feminism and postmodernism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A Politically Correct Waste of Time
I have taught sociology for over 30 years and for the last ten have been forced to use the evolving editions of this text.The best I can say for it is that it's not a lot worse than most textbooks--which are essentially written by committees and marketing departments--and unfortunately probably does represent the field accurately.

The core problem with his book though, and the field, is that its latent master value is equality, modified by a little self-serving credentialism.Anytime anyone is found to be unequal, the implicit cry is "Injustice!"Well, not so fast.There are plenty of instances in which inequalities are unjust, but no doubt plenty that are just.It doesn't seem to dawn on this author that equality is not the sole criterion of justice.Of course, ever so subtly the text implies that some inequalities are just.You never get the sense that she feels that she shouldn't get paid more than the average person or that the publisher of this text shouldn't wildly overprice it.I guess it's OK for liberal elites to do better than the rest, though besides them I suppose people ought to be equal.

This equality silliness is especially pronounced in the author's feminism.She is constantly changing the subject to women.For instance, she gives two short paragraphs on the Enlightenment (which is actually kind of important) though--Guess what?--one paragraph is about "women in the Enlightenment."Well, you can ask about women in the Enlightenment if you want to--but then you could ask about slaves too (which she doesn't).Students who have never heard of the Enlightenment come away from from her discussion assuming that the biggest issue at that time was whether women's opinions were heard.Sorry, that wasn't the biggest issue, and the text basically distorts history to say it was.Worse, later when she runs through the issues of group conformity, she shifts without explanation to the issue of obedience to authority, and then omits versions of those experiments that linked them to group conformity.(I suspect she was copying from the Maciones text, which included the relevant versions of the experiments, but didn't bother with them because she didn't follow the developing argument.)Anyway, after thoroughly mangling the presentation, she then lands on an experiment that "proves" men will sexual harass women if the conditions are conducive to it.For all I know, this was a decent experiment and the findings sound, but it is obvious to me that she is in such a rush to get to the sexual harassment study that she overlooked other studies that logically led to it.

There are other examples, but the author is always in such a rush to make her feminist points that she frequently screws up other things along the way.My guess though is that sociology doesn't attract the "best and the brightest" (a documented fact) and is increasingly attracting so many women that the field has darn near become a wing of Women's Studies.

I also do not like many of the chapter examples she uses.The example in the first chapter about credit cards is not well done, and a lot of students end up thinking that sociology and economics are roughly the same thing. It's just a weak example, poorly presented.

And, she never gives any evidence of intellectual ability--or of having done her homework.Despite way too many pages, she can never seem to develop a point to its culmination.C. Wright Mills is half-presented in the first chapter, and when she discusses cultural relativism she concludes that it is fine as long as it doesn't violate human rights--giving no hint that human rights are themselves contested.Oh, and in that discussion she wrongly uses Marvin Harris' work as an illustration of cultural relativism, when in fact it is an argument for cultural materialism.Later, she contrasts Kenneth Jackson's history of suburbs with someone else's, but gets Jackson wrong.It is probably the nature of the beast that textbook authors can't read most of the sources they cite, but this woman has a remarkable ability to be wrong about the works she discusses as well as a surprising knack to miss any important idea that might be in them.This text is a quintessential example of how you really can't simplify material without changing it.

Now, a lot of my criticisms would apply to other texts, and probably no text is ever really good.This is an inherent problem with textbooks.However, having used perhaps a dozen different textbooks over the years, I would have to say that this ranks toward the bottom.I haven't followed the textbook field, so don't know the popular choices now, but the Maciones text that I believe cornered the market prior to this one was better.

Let me add that I say all this as a sociologist, a liberal, and a feminist.I probably agree with the author's opinions 90% of the time, and must reluctantly agree that this text probably accurately reflects the sorry state of the discipline.However, the text just does a poor job at teaching about ideas, issues, and facts in a thought-provoking way.It's really a politically correct waste of time and money for anyone with a head on their shoulders.

Good Purchase
Used book needed for school. Decent price and in decent condition. Saved over 100 dollars vice buying it used from the book store on campus

A weak text
I must agree with other reviewers - this is not a very good text for teaching or learning Sociology. It only served to reinforce the stereotype that Sociology is not a rigorous discipline, let alone a science - and that is not true at all.

Each chapter has a "recurring theme" which is used to tie together the various disparate subjects. That would be great, except for two things: firstly, an effective example is one that isn't contrived or stretched, and secondly, it should not be necessary in the first place to "tie together" the chapter with such things. A chapter's contents ought to all relate implicitly - it ought to make logical sense why certain material was included. I understand that the "let's tell a story first and then relate all the material to it as we go along" idea is sort of trendy now, but I have seen a number of textbooks where that worked, and this certainly isn't one of them.

In other grievances, the material is just lacking in general. I am not an expert on Sociology, and I am aware this is not necessarily a fair comparison - but when I read, say, my Psycology textbooks, I am actually drawn in and interested. I want to keep reading. Though I am but a student, I can tell that the book is going fairly in-depth to the subject matter - I'm not just getting superficial "factoids" or an overview. In contrast, this textbook is pretty boring, and I am left with nagging questions about almost all of the subjects covered. Why are they important? Where is the research? Some of these things seem like common sense, sure, but other surprises are just given at face value with no explanation. It also seemed like a disproportionate amount of time was spent parading about the names and biographies of famous sociologists. That is all well and good, but I wanted to learn about Sociology, not sociologists...

Finally, I am aware that the average college freshman has a reading level of about eighth grade...but I do not appreciate my textbooks "talking down" to me. I guess that would have to be my biggest issue: it reads like a high school or even middle school textbook, definitely not college-level like I expect and deserve. I absolutely despise textbooks which are stuffed with "activity corners" or whatever they call them - those attention-grabbing, colorful distractions which take up half a page to show how the material at hand is applicable to some totally irrelevant subject. Supposedly these boxes are made to show to students how the subject is relevant to their daily lives, but they honestly get in the way of learning, and this text in particular is chock-full of them. It was a rare instance where I could read two full pages of unabridged, unadultered text with no annoying photograph, info box, or other "fluff" getting in the way.

The only reason I have not returned this book is because at the end of the day, if I just read it as a novel - for entertainment! - it is vaguely interesting. Much like a taboloid or Newsweek Magazine, I suppose.

Sociology in Our Times
The book arrived in great condition a little over a week after I ordered it. I am very satisfied with this seller.

last minute rush for college textbooks using Amazon sellers worked out great!
seller was excellent - product was as described, priced well for college student's financial constraints, and SHIPPED VERY QUICKLY which was the most important factor since the book was ordered after the first class. thanks! ... Read more

Product Description
Like its predecessors, the seventh edition of this text reflects Rick Schaefer's mission to bring readers a comprehensive, up-to-date presentation that teaches them how to think critically about society and their own lives from a wide range of classical and contemporary perspectives. Combining balanced coverage of theory with current research findings, distinctive social policy sections, examples of interest to students, and abundant learning aids and exercises, this text will help students develop a sociological imagination. An optional package combines Schaefer, Sociology, Seventh Edition and Reel Society Interactive Movie 2.0 CD-ROM at nominal extra cost.

"The introductory sociology class provides the ideal laboratory in which to study our own society and those of our global neighbors. The distinctive emphasis on social policy found in this text shows students how to use the sociological imagination in examining such public policy issues as sexual harassment, the AIDS crisis, welfare reform, the death penalty, and the offshoring of service jobs." Richard T. Schaefer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Good book
Overall this sociology book was one of my best purchase. I don't regret buying it at all.

Seventh Edition
Product was delivered quickly and in advertised condition.

Please note that this is the SEVENTH edition, which my college hasn't been using for at least 4 semesters now.My prof told me today that using it would leave me at a serious disadvantage since it's out of date.I didn't read the fine print closely enough and now my purchase is a waste of money.

Good Study
This is a great book for those who are interested in
knowing the study of sociology. It is set up well in
its instruction.

I love the fact that you have the chapter and at the
end some questions (with the answers upside down), so
you can evalute if you learn what was intended. And if
you are in a hurry, after that section is an overview
of what the chapter is to teach with brief summaries and
word definitions.

The only down side that I have found is this book is
biase towards the Conflict theory and Liberal types.
Overall though, it does a fairly good job of being
balanced.

Sociology textbook
Book came complete w/cd set as described and arrived on tine for me to start my class on time

Satisfied Customer
I was very pleased with the product I received, as well as, the prompt time it was shipped.The product was in the condition stated.I will use this service provider again.Thanks for very good service. ... Read more

Product Description

With an engaging visual design, 15 page chapters, and readings from popular trade titles, THINK Sociology is the introductory Sociology text your students will read.

THINK Sociology is informed with the latest research and the most contemporary examples, allowing you to bring current events directly into your classroom with little additional work.

An engaging visual design developed with the benefit of extensive student feedback will appeal to your students and deliver the core concepts of Sociology in a way that they can actually understand.

The groundbreaking instructor supplements package will help you bring the core concepts of Sociology to life, without burdening your students with heavy, too dense and too expensive learning solutions. 

Thinkspot, the text’s open access website, provides students with a large resource of tools to help them achieve a better grade.

Customer Reviews (4)

Just what I ordered!
I ordered this book for class and it was exactly what I thought it was and came during the time frame stated! No complaints :)

Very Fast.
Thank you so much. You sent it right away and it was delivered fast. In the condition it stated it was in. Very good seller

experience
Book in good shape and arrived in timely manner.Will be ordering again in a couple weeks for my son's fall books.

College Textbook Review
This book is very informative and is easy to read. It was brand new when I bought it on amazon and I saved at least $20 from the bookstore price. ... Read more

Product Description
This brief, balanced, completely up-to-date book is characterized by its focus on the connection between oneself and the social world. It teaches readers "how" to think rather than just "what" to think, draws the connection between objectivity and subjectivity in sociological research, and places an emphasis on the importance of diversity and the global perspective. It is heralded for its inclusion of pop culture examples that truly connect with the readers of today, and for its presentation of sociological concepts in a fresh, new contemporary way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Deal
Excellent price and condition. Far less expensive than my campus bookstore. Delivered way sooner than expected :)

Student Review
I used this book for a Sociology class.It is in-depth and easy to understand - very helpful.

Sociology
I enjoyed the book, I learned quite a bit from it. It was in depth and informative. I would recommend it to any one wanting to understand the basics about our world via sociology. ... Read more

Product Description
SOCIOLOGY: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE, Enhanced Seventh Edition, introduces you to the concepts and theories of sociology, demonstrates how they can be used to think about the most significant and pressing global issues of our day, and uses powerful visual images to illustrate their impact on individuals, local communities, and society. The enhanced seventh edition has been substantially updated to reflect the current global economic crisis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Sociology: A Global Perspective
the book was in great shape, didn't arrive as soon as I thought it would

Good and Fast!
It was in good condition, the only thing
I didn't like I got it in a bag. It could damage the book. Fortunately, it was in good condition. And
i got it Fast!

product good, shipping long
It took about two and a half weeks to ship, which I felt was a little too long. However, the book was in the condition described and met my expectations. Overall, I am satisfied with this seller and this purchase.

a little more info next time.
this was a free teachers addition. No where in the product description was this listed. that would have been nice to know because at the end of the term when I tried to sell it to the school bookstore they wouldn't buy it because it was a free copy, probably wouldn't have bought it if I had known it was a free addition. how do you sell something that was free anyway?

Sociology book
The sociology book was in great condition and arrived withing 5-7 days.I am totally satisfied with my purchase. ... Read more

Product Description
This sociological analysis of the system of marriage and family focuses on the family as an institution in society. It uniquely encompasses many facets of society, and students are able to learn about family seen through a cultural and historical perspective. The book sets a high conceptual standard, but uses informal writing and minimal jargon. It presents the perspectives of critical and questioning academics (feminists, progressives, anti-racists, independent-thinkers, cross-disciplinary types, etc.) within a scholarly, well-researched text. It addresses a host of real world issues and practical concerns. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Sociology of the family through the lens of Conflict Theory
Using conflict theory as their starting point, Coltrane and Collins provide an excellent introduction to the sociological study of the family.

Women Studies
I am a Latino, Mexican American, male femenisth.I read this book for my Women Studies minor family course named The Family in Cal State Dominguez. I really recomend this book to all the people that really want to know the true history of the human family and how it has been changing and why it will always will change... at the same time you will start to see that gender roles were never started at the beggining of humanity...that gender roles were created in diffrent cultures at the hurticultural stage of society and were very strong at the agregarian stage... but right now in industrial societys gender roles are becoming more simmilar little by litlle to be able to survive... I can tell you more about this book...but you need to read it and I really recomended. ... Read more

Product Description
The Practical Skeptic, a concise introduction to sociology, focuses on core concepts as the central building blocks for understanding sociology. Lisa McIntyre's straightforward, lively, even humorous style and her emphasis on critical thinking make this an engaging and user-friendly text for students of all levels. Through this conversational narrative, students are able to grasp key sociological concepts and learn the essential lesson that there is much that goes on in the social world that escapes the sociologically untrained eye. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great textbook material.
This book is easy to read and explains terminology well. Great textbook for students to learn about and understand sociology.

Very good for a textbook
As other college students will know, textbooks vary primarily by writing style.The content is set by committees somewhere, and the writer must meet those requirements to be allowed to sell books.That leaves writing style and structure.Lisa McIntyre writes in a clear and friendly voice which eases the process of absorbing a great deal of information in this "not my major field" subject.She also structures her presentation well.The "Stop & Review" questions presented after important information will prove useful in giving context to those actually seeking to learn about sociology; the chapter-end reviews ease the process for the rest of us.The combined glossary and index came as a surprise to me but has proven useful.

Having only one author probably improves the process as well; I have another textbook with conflicting information and jarring changes of "voice," annoyances which McIntyre eliminates by doing the work herself.

School Book Reading
If I didn't have to buy this for a class, I wouldn't have bought it.This stuff bores me!Sorry, but I'd rather watch my wife's fingernail polish dry! :-)

Book
This book was in great condition and shipped very fast...got here in plenty of time for my class! thanks

A welcome change for a textbook
This is a fine example of how a good text can teach and still not put you to sleep. The concepts are illustrated clearly and with humor, and interesting case examples and excerpts are provided with each section. I'm a computer science major, and I still found this material quite interesting. While I can't say I think any better of sociology in general, I do know a lot more about it now that I've read this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The most comprehensive sociology textbook available today

Understanding Sociology helps your students grasp this complex subject by focusing on the five key sociological concepts as they relate to current issues: functional integration; power; social action; social structure; and culture. ... Read more

Product Description
A lively mix of traditional readings, blog posts, and activities to help students connect sociology to their own lives.
Everyday Sociology Reader combines classic and contemporary readings by sociologists and seeks to meet students where they are, offering observations on popular culture, family life, news events, and other aspects of everyday life. Posts from the Everyday Sociology Blog and traditional readings have been chosen for their relevance and readability; all are written in an engaging manner in order to engage students new to sociology and sociological thinking.

Each section of the book features three blog posts and two traditional readings, as well as discussion questions, activities, research ideas, and essay suggestions so that students become not just active in the learning process, but creators of sociological thinking as well.

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Customer Reviews (2)

slow delivery
i ordered this book september 1, 2010 and opted for a two day shipping but the estimated delivery is september 16, 2010. but even so it has not been shipped today.

Good condition, early delivery
The book is in good condition, I got exactly whatever thedescription said on the ad (better than what I expected) and it came sooner than the date specified. ... Read more

Product Description
Steve Bruce conveys the essence of the field of sociology in this fascinating volume.A well-known populizer of the discipline, Bruce presents here an introduction to a way of thinking that will appeal to anyone interested in deepening their understanding of modern society.

Bruce reasserts the value of sociology as a social science, as a framework of understanding the human condition that grounds its explanations in reliable observations of the real world. Drawing on studies of social class, crime and deviance, work in bureaucracies, and changes in religious and political organizations, Bruce explores the tension between the individual's role in society and society's role in shaping the individual.Sociology: A Very Short Introduction demonstrates the value of sociology as a perspective for understanding the modern world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Exactly what I was looking for
I wanted a general knowledge of the discipline of sociology, and I got it in this book! I felt like I finished this book with an understanding of what exactly this social science is concerned with, how they go about doing their research, and some of the significant findings over the its history. It was an easy read, all things considered.

an excellent introduction to sociological practice
This book is a well thought-out and clearly written introduction to sociological practice. Although he does provide examples of both particular and general topics that sociology investigates, the author is explicit that his intention is not to list various issues or problems sociologists study (in fact, he has an excellent discussion of the common misconception that sociology is the study of social problems), but rather to explain the methods and approaches that define sociology as a discipline and an area of intellectual inquiry. In this, he does a fine job.

Decent introduction, perhaps not up to usual VSI standard
I was interested in discovering more about this subject and having read the volumes on British Politics, Psychology and Buddhism I decided to read this. Unfortunately it is not the best in the series - it fails to group its ideas into a particularly memorable structure, leaving the reader with disjointed thoughts but little essence of the main points of the subject. Nevertheless, as always with this series, a good way to get into a topic you don't know much about. The use of anecdotes and examples is engaging but occasionally seemingly off-point. Nevertheless, eminently readable. 3 stars.

Nonetheless, a worthwhile review
David Ross (in another review) is accurate and forthright. Bruce's read is indeed willy-nilly and impressionistic. These characteristics are the fault, but also the tool, of his writing many short such summaries. Someone who has only briefly visited the discipline for a writing assignment cannot be expected to know, for example, that there is already a body of theory (developed by Donald Black) which does what Bruce implies is either impossible or uninteresting: provide scientific order to a vast array of variation in social life without regard to individuals as such, and without the use of anything remotely psychological.

Befitting a "very short introduction", the reader should not be relied upon for much more than a brief glance. However, it does provide the glance, and even does so with continuity as well as both humor and grace. While the coverage is lacking, the verbiage is pleasingly precise. Don't read this to *complete* your investigation into sociology. But don't back away from it as a very short introduction. That is all it is, and all it was meant to be.

Nonetheless, a worthwhile review
David Ross (in another review) is accurate and forthright. Bruce's read is indeed willy-nilly and impressionistic. These characteristics are the fault, but also the tool, of his writing many short such summaries. Someone who has only briefly visited the discipline for a writing assignment cannot be expected to know, for example, that there is already a body of theory (developed by Donald Black) which does what Bruce implies is either impossible or uninteresting: provide scientific order to a vast array of variation in social life without regard to individuals as such, and without the use of anything remotely psychological.

Befitting a "very short introduction", the reader should not be relied upon for much more than a brief glance. However, it does provide the glance, and even does so continuity as well as both humor and grace. While the coverage is lacking, the verbiage is pleasingly precise.

Don't read this to *complete* your investigation into sociology. But don't back away from it as a very short introduction. That is all it is, and all it was meant to be. ... Read more