Sociology - Hardcover

Richard T Schaefer

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0070550700 ISBN 13: 9780070550704

Publisher: McGraw-Hill, 1986

Synopsis

This impressive, forward thinking research based survey focuses on five key concepts to explain sociological principles: function, structure, action, culture, and power. These concepts enable the text to present structural sociology and culture more fully than in any other book. The seventh edition continues to combine a balanced presentation with lively, student- oriented examples. This edition has been significantly revised, it features increased coverage of the founders of sociology, a greater emphasis on the structure of social interaction, and it introduces exciting and new "Sociology and Public Debates" and "Research Methods" boxes that students will find both evocative and engaging.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Known as a 'top of the league' research-based survey, the text supplies a balanced presentation that will appeal to serious sociologists at all levels of schools.

Unique approach that has been praised by many uses five key concepts, structure, action, culture, power, and function to explain sociological principles.

Written by an active and widely respected researcher and teacher, Craig Calhoun, the book presents a comprehensive and up-to-date survey of recent research and findings.

A winning combination of a solid presentation that is enhanced by lively student-oriented examples.
Expanded coverage of the five key concepts throughout the text allow for greater flexibility for both instructors and students.

Revised organization now includes 20 chapters, featuring 2 new chapters 'The Structure of Social Interaction (3)' and 'Global Inequality (17).'

New coverage of W.E.B. DuBois, feminist sociologists, culture, gender, aging, religion, and politics.

New lively examples such as the text opening narrative that weaves the tale of modern childbirth with basic sociological concepts to show how social forces touch each of us, even before we are born.

Two new boxed features, one an evocative and engaging series of essays called, "Sociology and Public Debates" that use the five key concepts to help students analyze important public issues like the IQ debate and gun control and "Research Methods," a series of lively explorations into sociology research and methodology such as Laumann and Gagnon's "Sex in America" survey and David Halle's classic "Inside Culture."

About the Author:

Growing up in Chicago at a time when neighbourhoods were going through transitions in ethnic and racial composition, Richard T. Schaefer found himself increasingly intrigued by what was happening, how people were reacting, and how these changes were affecting neighbourhoods and people’s jobs. His interest in social issues caused him to gravitate to sociology courses at Northwestern University, where he eventually received a BA in sociology. “Originally as an undergraduate I thought I would go on to law school and become a lawyer. But after taking a few sociology courses, I found myself wanting to learn more about what sociologists studied, and fascinated by the kinds of questions they raised.” This fascination led him to obtain his MA and PhD in sociology from the University of Chicago. Dr. Schaefer’s continuing interest in race relations led him to write his master’s thesis on the membership of the Ku Klux Klan and his doctoral thesis on racial prejudice and race relations in Great Britain. Dr. Schaefer went on to become a professor of sociology and now teaches at DePaul University in Chicago. In 2004 he was named to the Vincent DePaul professorship in recognition of his undergraduate teaching and scholarship. He has taught introductory sociology for over 35 years to students in colleges, adult education programs, nursing programs, and even a maximum-security prison. Dr. Schaefer’s love of teaching is apparent in his interaction with his students. “I find myself constantly learning from the students who are in my classes and from reading what they write. Their insights into the material we read or current events that we discuss often become part of future course material and sometimes even find their way into my writing.” Dr. Schaefer is author of the eleventh edition of Sociology (McGraw-Hill, 2008) and of the fourth edition of Sociology Matters (McGraw-Hill, 2009). He is also the author of Racial and Ethnic Groups, now in its eleventh edition, and Race and Ethnicity in the United States, fifth edition. Together with William Zellner, he co-authored the eighth edition of Extraordinary Groups, published by Worth in 2007. Dr. Schaefer served as the general editor of the three-volume Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity, and Society, published by Sage in 2008. His articles and book reviews have appeared in many journals, including American Journal of Sociology, Phylon: A Review of Race and Culture, Contemporary Sociology, Sociology and Social Research, Sociological Quarterly, and Teaching Sociology. He served as president of the Midwest Sociological Society in 1994–1995. Dr. Schaefer’s advice to students is to “look at the material and make connections to your own life and experiences. Sociology will make you a more attentive observer of how people in groups interact and function. It will also make you more aware of people’s different needs and interests―and perhaps more ready to work for the common good, while still recognizing the individuality of each person.”

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0070550700
• ISBN 13: 9780070550704
• Binding: Hardcover