Sociology: Making Sense of the Social World

Sociology: Making Sense of the Social World is a unique introduction to sociology by two experienced educators and social activists, featuring integrated coverage of social stratification and inequality throughout; the theory and application of social change, and the inclusion of feminism as one of the major sociological paradigms. Inclusive of issues of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and age, themes that are woven into every chapter of the book. This approach focuses on the link between social structure and people's own personal experiences. It is also inclusive of the research and scholarship of a wide variety of scholars which, until now, had limited exposure in most introductory books. Throughout the book, the authors explain sociology through the process of individual (agency), collective (social movements), structural, historical, and global change. The book emphasizes that change is a two-way process meaning individuals can initiate and influence the worlds they live in, in addition to being influenced by them. It is also theoretical in that it very consciously uses a feminist approach, but does not exclude other approaches. Dominant theoretical sociological and feminist paradigms are introduced in the beginning chapters of the book and these theories are carried throughout to help readers understand different issues from a variety of theoretical viewpoints. For anyone interested in social structure, with regard to influencing the worlds we live in, as well as being influenced by those worlds.