Sociology Introductory Readings

The fourth edition of this best-selling introductory reader has been thoroughly revised and updated to offer a stimulating and wide-ranging set of readings for anyone who wishes to engage with the scope of sociological thought today. The book delivers a productive mix of classic, provocative and contemporary readings, highly readable and lively, yet retaining their critical bite. Whilst ideal as a companion to the ninth edition of Giddens and Sutton's Sociology, the reader can equally be used independently or alongside other textbooks. Readings are grouped around ten key sociological themes, with a sustained emphasis on comparative, globally and historically informed work. The carefully curated collection ranges from studies of face-to-face interaction through to the analysis of large-scale global systems, covering both the theory and practice of sociology. Amongst the new selections in this volume are readings on the decolonial turn; the persistence of racism and activism for Black Lives; global health issues and the social impacts of COVID-19; digital sociology and the digitization of social life; feminist research and ongoing forms of misogyny; climate change and the Anthropocene; wealth inequality, populism and the rise of 'fake news'. Each of the thematic sections is preceded by a discussion and followed by further reading to facilitate students' comprehension and critical reflection. The result is an exciting companion that encompasses the major themes and debates in both classical and contemporary sociology. Sociology: Introductory Readings will be an essential resource for all students of sociology.