E-Book | Introduction to Sociology

Table of Contents

• 1 An Introduction to Sociology
• 2 Sociological Research
• 3 Culture
• 4 Society and Social Interaction
• 5 Socialization
• 6 Groups and Organization
• 7 Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
• 8 Media and Technology
• 9 Social Stratification in the United States
• 10 Global Inequality
• 11 Race and Ethnicity
• 12 Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
• 13 Aging and the Elderly
• 14  Relationships, Marriage, and Family
• 15 Religion
• 16 Education
• 17 Government and Politics
• 18 Work and the Economy
• 19 Health and Medicine
• 20 Population, Urbanization, and the Environment
• 21 Social Movements and Social Change

Introduction to Sociology 3e aligns to the topics and objectives of many introductory sociology courses. It is arranged in a manner that provides foundational sociological theories and contexts, then progresses through various aspects of human and societal interactions. The new edition is focused on driving meaningful and memorable learning experiences related to critical thinking about society and culture. The text includes comprehensive coverage of core concepts, discussions and data relevant to a diverse audience, and features that draw learners into the discipline in powerful and personal ways. Overall, Introduction to Sociology 3e aims to center the course and discipline as crucial elements for understanding relationships, society, and civic engagement; the authors seek to lay the foundation for students to apply what they learn throughout their lives and careers.

The authors, reviewers, and the entire team worked to build understanding of the causes and impacts of discrimination and prejudice. Introduction to Sociology 3e contains dozens of examples of discrimination and its outcomes regarding social science, society, institutions, and individuals. The text seeks to strike a balance between confronting the damaging aspects of our culture and history and celebrating those who have driven change and overcome challenges. The core discussion of these topics are present in Chapter 11 on Race and Ethnicity, and Chapter 12 on Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, but their causes and effects are extensively discussed in the context of other topics, including education, law enforcement, government, healthcare, the economy, and so on. Together and when connected by an instructor, these elements have potential for deep and lasting effects.

Changes made in Introduction to Sociology 3e are described in the preface to help instructors transition to the third edition. The second edition of Introduction to Sociology by OpenStax is available in web view here.

Senior Contributing Authors

Tonja R. Conerly, San Jacinto College, Texas Southern University, & University of South Carolina

Kathleen Holmes, Northern Essex Community College

Asha Lal Tamang, Minneapolis Community and Technical College & North Hennepin Community College

Contributing Authors

Jennifer Hensley, Vincennes University

Jennifer L. Trost, University of St. Thomas

Pamela Alcasey, Central Texas College

Kate McGonigal, Fort Hays State University

Heather Griffiths, Fayetteville State University

Nathan Keirns, Zane State College

Eric Strayer, Hartnell College

Tommy Sadler, Union University

Susan Cody-Rydzewski, Georgia Perimeter College

Gail Scaramuzzo, Lackawanna College

Sally Vyain, Ivy Tech Community College

Jeff Bry, Minnesota State Community and Technical College at Moorhead

Faye Jones, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College