Sociology: A Brief Introduction, 9th Edition

Sociology: A Brief Introduction is the revised version of a popular book by Richard T. Schaefer. This ninth edition (published by The McGraw-Hill Companies) presents the study of society in a much more contemporary and interesting light by encouraging critical analysis and empirical investigation. It is one of the best resources for students interested in understanding human social activity. The author, Richard T. Schaefer, put together a comprehensive textbook that combines modern and traditional outlooks on human society, distilling them to become relevant to current social issues, including ethnic and racial inequality, deviance and social control, and overpopulation (all discussed in individual chapters). Sociology: A Brief Introduction also encourages learners to reflect on their respective lives and figure out their role and significance to the social order as a whole. Critics appreciate how effectively Richard T. Schaefer integrates contemporary research and theory with real-life examples that college students can empathize with. A new chapter on globalization and a discussion of factors that cause social change in the global level (presented in easy-to-spot boxes throughout chapters) were added in this edition to help students develop a global perspective on the latest problems affecting basic structures of society, like the family and the government. This concise but comprehensive book also offers additional interactive and diagnostic tools for mastering recurring concepts such as socialization and culture. The extra exercises encourage students to apply what they learn about deviance and social control, stratification by gender and age, and the social structure to everyday scenarios.