This introductory textbook explains how sociology can be used to make a positive impact on society. It outlines the basic theories and concepts of sociology, including its founders and foundations, sociological methods, culture, civic engagement, socialization, deviant behavior, social movements, stratification and social class, race and ethnicity, sex, gender, power, the family, the economy, education, government, and religion. It includes examples of sociologists in action, exercises, and suggestions for action. Annotation ©2019 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
This concise text for carries the public sociology movement into the introductory sociology classroom. While teaching students to think sociologically and to develop a sociological eye, it also demonstrates how sociology can be used as a tool for improving society. As they explains the discipline's basic theories and concepts, the authors provide many examples of "engaged" sociologists who are working to solve some of society's most intractable problems, and encourage students to become engaged in their own communities.
| Preface: A Note From the Authors to the Students Reading This Book |
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vii | |
| Acknowledgments |
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ix | |
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Chapter 1 The Engaged Sociologist: The Sociological Perspective and the Connections Among Sociology, Democracy, and Civic Engagement |
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1 | (16) |
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Chapter 2 Founders and Foundations of Sociology: Theory |
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17 | (19) |
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Chapter 3 How Do We Know What We Think We Know? Sociological Methods |
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36 | (19) |
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Chapter 4 Creating Civic Engagement Versus Creating Apathy: Culture |
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55 | (20) |
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Chapter 5 Learning How to Act in Society: Socialization |
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75 | (20) |
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Chapter 6 Deviant Behavior and Social Movements |
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95 | (32) |
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Chapter 7 Big Money Doesn't Always Win: Stratification and Social Class |
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127 | (24) |
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Chapter 8 What Does a "Typical American" Look Like Today? Race and Ethnicity |
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151 | (26) |
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Chapter 9 Sex, Gender, and Power |
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177 | (28) |
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Chapter 10 Social Institutions: Family and Economy |
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205 | (21) |
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Chapter 11 Social Institutions, Continued: Education, Government, and Religion |
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226 | (18) |
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Chapter 12 The Engaged Sociologist in Action |
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244 | (14) |
| Index |
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258 | (11) |
| About the Authors |
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269 | |
Jonathan M. White, PhD, is director of the Bentley Service Learning Center and associate professor of sociology at Bentley University in Massachusetts. His primary areas of specialization are inequality, poverty, globalization, human rights, and public sociology. Dr. White has received numerous teaching and humanitarian awards. He is the founding director of Sports for Hunger, the Hunger Resource Center, and the Halloween for Hunger, We are Silent, and Pass-the-Fast campaigns. He serves on the board of directors for Free The Children, Peace Through Youth, Me to We, and the Graduation Pledge Alliance. Dr. White has authored several articles in the fields of inequality and globalization. His work on public sociology includes coediting (with Kathleen Korgen and Shelley White) Sociologists in Action: Sociology, Social Change, and Social Justice (2014) and Sociologists in Action on Inequalities: Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality (2015). He is also currently writing a book titled Hungry to Be Heard: Voices From a Malnourished America. Dr. White lives in Waltham, Massachusetts, with his wife, Shelley, and is the very proud uncle of his 13 nieces and nephews, Jarred, Kyle, Tyler, Arielle, Cameron, Brianna, Mikayla, Joshua, Jack, Logan, Tyler, Joey, and Brookelyn.
Shelley K. White, PhD, MPH, is a sociologist and Assistant Professor of Health Sciences and Public Health at Worcester State University. She recently taught in the Sociology Department at Simmons College, where she also coordinated the Simmons World Challenge - an interdisciplinary, student-led learning program which creates actionable solutions to global social justice problems. Shelleys teaching and research focus on health and illness, globalization and development, inequalities, social movements and social justice. She previously worked in HIV/AIDS policy globally and domestically, and serves on the board of directors of Free the Children and SocMed. She is co-editor of Sociologists in Action: Sociology, Social Change, and Social Justice (with Kathleen Odell Korgen and Jonathan White), (2nd Edition, Sage 2013) and her recent publications appear in the Journal of Human Rights Practice; Education, Citizenship and Social Justice; Public Health Reports; and Critical Public Health.
