The Dictionary of Sociology is one of the most informative and wide-ranging reference books of its kind. Compiled by a team of sociological experts, it is packed with over 2,500 entries, each elaborated with clear descriptions and in-depth analysis, making the most complicated subjects easy to understand. Real-life examples are given wherever possible and coverage is extensive and includes terms from related fields such as psychology, economics, anthropology, philosophy, and political science.New features in the third edition include boxed entries covering key aspects of sociology, and web links to important sociological websites. New entries cover everything from adaptation to orientalism. This up-to-date edition also contains a range of new biographies covering key figures, such as Gilles Deleuze and Erich Fromm.The Dictionary of Sociology is both a valuable introduction to the subject for beginners and an essential reference work for people with more advanced interests.