Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
This best-selling applied, comprehensive book highlights the relevance of sociology by including a diverse collection of theories, research, and "lived experiences" that accurately mirror the diversity in society itself. The author's vivid, personal writing style engages readers by using compelling everyday examples that make sociology particularly relevant for today's diverse 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, which includes diverse theoretical viewpoints such as feminist and postmodernist theory.
About the Author
Diana Kendall is Professor of Sociology at Baylor University, where she has been recognized as an Outstanding Professor. She has taught a variety of courses, including Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Theory (undergraduate and graduate), Sociology of Medicine, and Race, Class, and Gender. Previously, she enjoyed many years of teaching sociology and serving as chair of the Social and Behavioral Science Division at Austin Community College. Dr. Kendall's areas of specialization and primary research interests are sociological theory and the sociology of medicine. Her textbooks include THE POWER OF GOOD DEEDS: PRIVILEGED WOMEN AND THE SOCIAL REPRODUCTION OF THE UPPER CLASS (Rowman and Littlefield, 2002); FRAMING CLASS: MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF WEALTH AND POVERTY IN AMERICA (Rowman and Littlefield, 2005); and MEMBERS ONLY: ELITE CLUBS AND THE PROCESS OF EXCLUSION (Rowman and Littlefield, 2008). Actively involved in national and regional sociological associations, she is a member of the American Sociological Association, Sociologists for Women in Society, the Society for the Study of Social Problems, and the Southwestern Sociological Association. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, where she was invited to membership in Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
Table of Contents
Part I: STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE. 1. The Sociological Perspective. 2. Sociological Research Methods. 3. Culture. 4. Socialization. Part II: SOCIAL GROUPS AND SOCIAL CONTROL. 5. Society, Social Structure, and Interaction. 6. Groups and Organizations. 7. Deviance and Crime. Part III: SOCIAL INEQUALITY. 8. Class and Stratification in the United States. 9. Global Stratification. 10. Race and Ethnicity. 11. Sex and Gender. 12. Aging and Inequality Based on Age. Part IV: SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS. 13. The Economy and Work in Global Perspective. 14. Politics and Government in Global Perspective. 15. Families and Intimate Relationships. 16. Education. 17. Religion. 18. Health, Health Care, and Disability . Part V: SOCIAL DYNAMICS AND SOCIAL CHANGE. 19. Population and Urbanization. 20. Collective Behavior, Social Movements, and Social Change. Glossary. References. Photo Credits. Name Index. Subject Index.