Author Description

This introductory text adopts a strong cross-cultural focus and an eclectic approach to current topics, with social policy sections. This edition features new sections including global perspectives on women, international crime rates and US population policies overseas - plus a new chapter, "Social Inequality Worldwide". Three new supplements include an annotated instructor's edition, a critical thinking guide, and a brief English for non-native speakers guide. Balanced treatment of the three major sociological perspectives functionalism conflict theory, interactionism. Applies theoretical and research material to contemporary polticy issues (unique to this text) making sociology relevant for every student. continuous use f cross-cultural examples; coverage of issues affecting women thoughout text not just in gender stratification. (example - women and politics chapter - chapter 15). A new chapter on cross-cultural issues "Social Inequality Worldwide" (ch. 9) that includes an extended case study on stratification in Brazil, modernization in Kenya and inequality in Japan among other issues. Twenty-two new boxes, including "The Eloquence of Sign-language", "Self Help Groups", "Blaming the Victim", "The Process of Role Exit", and "Motorists as Welfare Recipients". Seven new social policy sections (tied to the text with a set of three or four questions for each) on such topics as sexual harassment, catastrophic health care, family leave, inequalities in school financing, and homelessness. New sections on topics such as the underclass (ch. 8) school choice programs (ch. 16), and the conflict view of urban growth (ch. 18).