Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
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 is
About the Author
Rodney Stark is a renowned scholar and researcher, and is recognized as one of the foremost sociologists working in the field of sociology of religion. Professor Stark has published more than 140 articles and 27 scholarly books that have won numerous awards and acknowledgements, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination. He is also known as a pioneer in the technology field. He co-founded the MicroCase Corporation, which is now a part of Thomson Wadsworth. With his background in journalism, it isn't surprising that in addition to receiving praise for his unique approach to sociology, he's received praise for having one of the better-written texts on the market.
Table of Contents
PART I: PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY. 1. Groups and Relationships: A Sociological Sampler. 2. Concepts for Social and Cultural Theories. 3. Microsociology: Testing Interaction Theories. 4. Macrosociology: Studying Larger Groups and Societies. PART II: INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS. 5. Biology, Culture and Society. 6. Socialization and Social Roles. 7. Crime and Deviance. 8. Social Control. PART III: INEQUALITY. 9. Concepts and Theories of Stratification. 10. Comparing Systems of Stratification. 11. Racial and Ethnic Inequality and Conflict. 12. Gender and Inequality. PART IV: INSTITUTIONS. 13. The Family. 14. Religion. 15. Politics and the State. 16. The Interplay Between Education and Occupation. PART V: CHANGE. 17. Social Change: Development and Global Inequality. 18. Population Changes. 19. Urbanization. 20. The Organizational Age. 21. Social Change and Social Movements. Epilogue. References. Photo Credits. Name Index. Subject Index/Glossary.