Sociology: A Brief Introduction [with Reel Society Interactive Movie 1.0 CD-ROM and Powerweb]

by Richard T. Schaefer

Like its predecessors, the fifth edition of this concise text reflects Rick Schaefer's mission to bring readers a comprehensive, up-to-date presentation that teaches them how to think critically about society and their own lives from a wide range of classical and contemporary perspectives. Combining balanced coverage of theory with current research findings, distinctive social policy sections, examples and issues of interest to students, and abundant learning aids and exercises, this text will help students develop a sociological imagination. "In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, sociology has been called on to explain the social consequences of the attacks.... The introductory sociology class provides the ideal laboratory in which to study our own society and those of our global neighbors. Sociology can help students to better understand the workings of their own lives as well as of their society and other cultures." -- Richard T. Schaefer

Genres: Sociology, Textbooks, Reference, School, Nonfiction, College

528 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your bachelor's and master's are not in the field that you are planning to do your doctorate in, you know you're in trouble! ha ha ha (Looking left and right to see if my advisers are here.) But, well, I'm not afraid to tell you that don't be embarrassed to try to find a decent, comprehensive undergraduate textbook to jump start you with ideas. It is normally written for those who have absolutely no idea what they are in for. That sounds pretty much the case like most doctoral students anyway! I am grateful for the excellent world Professor Schaefer has done over the years. My version is slightly different than this one, probably two editions older and also an international version. But I'm sure he would only get better and better. Professor Schaefer manages to make a dreadfully difficult, theory-laden field like sociology sounds relevant, even remotely exciting! Suddenly, I sort of get a picture what I'm in for and not sort of lost as I have been when I tried some local textbooks! Don't be discouraged by the sheer size (it's almost like a coffee-table size), it is packed with fun facts at digestible portion. Moreover, there are a lot of pictures, graphs, charts, etc. I'm a visual person, remember? So this thing speaks to me really well. At more than 500 pages, it is too heavy to lug around unless you plan to use it as a weight-training tool. And to be seen with books with titles like Sociology may not sound as sexy as Nuclear Physics. So, it stays at home most of the time, remaining my loving companion when I get stuck and need some fresh ideas. It is very basic, though, mind you. And you have to wake up to the fact that you still have to do the "dirty work" yourself somewhere else. But Professor Schaefer has made your life much more simpler. So, for that, thank you, Professor Schaefer! :-)

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it was informative, and made me think differently about interactions I had with people on a daily basis. My minor criticism was on the chapter on religion when they referred to Wicca as a quasi-religion ( almost, maybe?)most Wiccans and Pagans are still in the broom closet because of negative perceptions. The book traced the origins back to Gardner but in truth the religion goes back further than Christianity, back to the Celts and other ancient peoples. So besides that chapter, it was a good overall book for introduction to Sociology, not my major just a required.

[Red Haircrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, and every minute of the course. Hella more people need to read and study sociology to help learn why they have the prejudices, biases and discriminatory practices they do, why they continue to be supported, and how to recognize and change society into a more positive direction.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book served its purpose. I enjoyed the perspectives it offered, good examples and it certainly gave me a "brief introduction." This was my very first sociology course and I enjoyed it, the text added to the class and I can really appreciate that.

[Nada Obaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books that enhanced my overall view of the society. It demonstrates practical methods sociologists use to identify, classify and solve some of the problems we currently face among families, societies and nations in terms of gender, economics, equality, culture and much more :)

[Isabella Tugman - Audiobook Narrator · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this textbook. Sociology is fascinating and useful in its own right, and this book is well-organized, entertaining, ad informative. I also really like the review and quiz sections following each chapter; they really help when studying for exams.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY HELPFUL

[narmeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zabardast

[Chelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I really liked that there was a correlating website to read the book online and there were also practice tests for every chapter that adjusted according to your answers. The thing that bothered me the most was that it is a loose leaf book and I had to be super careful not to rip pages out of the binder I used to hold it together. Overall a good experience!

[Beniz · Rating 1 out of 5]

It a good book

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[Emilio Valiente Sebastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to read this. I want this so badly.

[Rafik Bouziane]

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[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book doesn't do a very good job of illuminating the Feminist sociological perspective.

[Abir Mahdi]

It is good

[Saraf Anika]

i want to reaD