An Introduction to Sociology is your essential guide to understanding the social forces that shape our lives and the world around us.

This innovative textbook introduces you to the key theories, themes, and concepts in the discipline of sociology and helps you to develop as a sociologist by providing comprehensive coverage of all the main areas of study. Presenting you with the history, current debates and recent research developments for each topic, this book covers everything from classical sociologies and traditional subjects such as class, families, and religion, through to more progressive areas like digital society, social media, migration, and the interconnectedness of modern global society. The book's extensive coverage means it can be used throughout your studies, from first year to final year.

Key features:

• Each chapter is written by an internationally renowned expert who uses specialist insight and the latest research to provide a reliable and up-to-date overview.
• Includes a selection of unique learning features such as "Hear from the Expert" boxes and "Key Cases" from around the world, as well as reflective activities and revision questions that will enhance your knowledge.
• Features a section titled "What is sociology useful for?" which includes chapters on the public value of sociology and the role of sociology in contemporary society.

The book is supported by a wide-ranging collection of online teaching and learning resources including exclusive video content from SAGE Video, links to SAGE Journal Articles, sample essay questions, and a selection of multiple-choice questions.

This definitive text is perfect for first-year sociology undergraduates and anyone studying sociology at university or college level.

Part One Thinking Sociologically
Introduction to Part One
Chapter 1 Approaching Sociology
Chapter 2 What is Sociological about the Digital Society?
Chapter 3 What is Sociological about the Environment?
Chapter 4 What is Sociological about Crime?
Chapter 5 What is Society?
Chapter 6 Sociology of an Interconnected World
Part Two Theories and Methods
Introduction to Part Two
Chapter 7 Classical Sociologies
Chapter 8 Contemporary Social Theory
Chapter 9 Beyond the Qualitative/Quantitative Divide
Chapter 10 Visual and Digital Methods of Research
Part Three Inequalities and Identities
Introduction to Part Three
Chapter 11 Class
Chapter 12 Gender
Chapter 13 Race
Chapter 14 Age
Part Four Connecting the Personal and the Social
Introduction to Part Four
Chapter 15 Families and Households
Chapter 16 Intimacies, and Relationships
Chapter 17 Work
Chapter 18 Health
Chapter 19 Education
Chapter 20 Religion
Part Five Sociological Frontiers
Introduction to Part Five
Chapter 21 Cultures and Consumption
Chapter 22 War and Violence
Chapter 23 Science and Technology
Chapter 24 Migrations
Chapter 25 Social Movements
Part Six What is Sociology Useful For?
Introduction to Part Six
Chapter 26 Sociology as a Science?
Chapter 27 Public Sociology
Chapter 28 Using Sociology