This lively introduction to the field of social science focuses on specific areas of people's work and unemployment, citizenship, the changing nuclear and extended families, race relations, and the nature of friendship and love. Clear and well-organized, the book highlights central concepts and methods, and introduces readers to important social scientists. Although the main disciplines of sociology, economics, political science, and social psychology are analyzed in detail, Studying Society also serves as a truly introductory text on social science as a whole.