Synopses & Reviews
Accessible and engaging,
Sociological Wonderment brings sociology into the personal lives of students. In the tradition of C. Wright Mills, the author shows how personal concerns should be considered within public contexts. The book's unique thematic approach, topicality, and the way it challenges students' assumptions about social life make it an invaluable supplement.
The interactive learning approach of Sociological Wonderment eases the job of instruction. Students come to grips with the perplexing and enigmatic puzzles at the heart of the sociological enterprise, while Higgins demonstrates that all is not what it seems to be. The author does not presume to know the truth in full, and he explicitly states as much. Rather, his style encourages students to recognize their own value orientations on pivotal issues, removing the illusion that sociologists can or should be value-free.
Sociological Wonderment is a thought-provoking search, an adventure, and an attempt to find one's way through the great maze of our social world. Students will find it a challenging but meaningful quest. A brief Instructor's Resource Guide is available.
Review
"Paul Higgins has written a wonderfully stimulating book about the wonders of social life that all students should read. It is informative, insightful, and engaging, asking questions about everyday events and social situations, and providing answers that can be readily understood. The study of social behavior is fascinating and fun, and this book proves it."--Frank R. Scarpitti, University of Delaware
"I couldn't put the manuscript down as I read it. This book deserves comparison with Peter Berger's Invitation to Sociology and C. Wright Mills' The Sociological Imagination. And Higgins' book is much more readable for most students than Berger or Mills. I believe it will become a standard in the field."--Richard Wright, University of Scranton
"I am impressed not only by this book's interactive, dialogue-oriented approach, but also by its use of up-to-date events that serve as examples and illustrations. Higgins' presentation of multiple perspectives on societal issues allows students to experience the ongoing dialogue and debate among sociologists."--Conrad L. Kanagy, Elizabethtown College
"I liked the classic examples Higgins uses. The cross-cultural and international content also works well. The approach will definitely appeal to students."--Jeanne Ballentine, Wright State University
Table of Contents
Chapter One: What's So Puzzling?
Chapter Two: How Do We Know?
Chapter Three: What in the World?
Chapter Four: How Do We Get People to Do What We Want Them to Do?
Chapter Five: Where Are We and How Did We Get Here?
Epilogue