For courses in Social Problems.
Macionis's Social Problems is the first text that explains how, through politics, society defines social problems and solutions. The text uses the concepts of sociological theory and the everyday language of politics to analyze the social issues and policies that are being debated in the mass media and by our political leaders.
General Thoughts
"I prefer to relate text topics to current events both local and global. This text does a nice job of including topics that would provide fodder for good discussion and bring reality to the classroom."
Linda Aaberg, Hennepin Technical College
“I would recommend this book to anyone. The book introduces some very thought-provoking ideas and is comparable to life as a whole. I believe the author has done an excellent job with presenting the ideas of sociology from a social construct point of view. It is very up-to-date and I will be using it in the future.”
Christina Cowen, Wayne State University
Writing Style
“This is a text that I have been using for the past 5 years [the third edition]. I would not use any other social problems book. This text really teaches students about the social problems from many different perspectives. Excellent book to use”
Deidre Tyler, Salt Lake Community College
“Macionis has written this text with the student in mind. He does not talk down to the student, nor does he try to beat the student over the head with the material. He writes with respect, but also with a sincere desire to teach and inform the student…Macionis strikes a good balance.”
Dr. Clay A Hipke, University of Florida
“…this is a well done social problems text and I believe sincerely that virtually any professor could use this to good effect independently of how they structure their course.”
Craig M. Eckert, Eastern Illinois University
“The text is readable and easy to follow for students, and is presented in a way to encourage them to critically think, engage in the learning process, and make meaningful real-life connections.”
Dr. Jewrell Rivers, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
“The author has a unique writing style in which a first year student can comprehend the materials and follow along with a veteran instructor. The material is college level appropriate without being biased, blameful, and narrow.”
Christina Cowen, Wayne State University
Organization
“I am very impressed with the organizational scheme of the text. It is very sound and logical in order.”
Dr. Jewrell Rivers, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
“I think as an introductory text to sociology this is fair and balanced. Given the structure of the text and the internal connections, the author has already accomplished a great teaching resource.”
Black Hawk Hancock, DePaul University
Diversity
“The diversity issues discussed in the text are exemplary.”
Christina Cowen, Wayne State University
Charts and Tables
“The charts and tables are excellent. In fact, they are one of the better features of the text.”
Dr. Clay A. Hipke, University of Florida
“Getting Involved” Feature
“This pedagogical element is most useful because it provides specific ‘point questions’ that allow for critical thinking as students read through the text and review key concepts.”
Dr. Jewrell Rivers, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
