Sociology (12th Edition)
Sociology (12th Edition) provides students an engaging introduction to sociology—its perspectives, concepts, theories, and research findings—without overwhelming them with dense material. The author presents comprehensive, readable, and theoretically and empirically sound content in a clear and interesting manner, helping students succeed in understanding the social factors behind patterned behavior.
Sociology encourages critical thinking through the development of the "sociological imagination"—the ability to see connections between personal experiences and societal events. Each chapter opens with a question challenging common beliefs. These questions often highlight surprising research findings, with answers provided at the chapter's start and explained further within the text. This questioning theme continues throughout the book.
The textbook maintains its dynamic and pedagogically sound design, blending theory and application to inspire critical thinking and active learning. Features include updated sources, maps, illustrations, critical thinking scenarios, and in-chapter checklists.
Additional in-chapter features include: Sociology in Your Life, Consider This Research (an examination of research methodology), Accent on Theory, and integrated coverage of global and cultural perspectives.
Contents:
-
Part One: Sociological Perspectives
- Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective
- Chapter 2: Social Research
-
Part Two: The Foundations of Social Structure
- Chapter 3: Culture
- Chapter 4: Socialization
- Chapter 5: Social Structure and Society
- Chapter 6: Groups and Organizations
- Chapter 7: Deviance and Social Control
-
Part Three: Social Inequality
- Chapter 8: Social Stratification
- Chapter 9: Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity
- Chapter 10: Inequalities of Gender
-
Part Four: Social Institutions
- Chapter 11: Family
- Chapter 12: Education
- Chapter 13: Political and Economic Institutions
- Chapter 14: Religion
- Chapter 15: Healthcare and Aging
- Chapter 16: Sport
-
Part Five: Social Change
- Chapter 17: Population and Urbanization
- Chapter 18: Social Change and Collective Behavior
Jon Shepard
Jon Shepard is Head and Pamplin professor of Management at Virginia Tech. His current area of specialization is Ethics in Business.
He obtained his Ph.D. in Sociology from Michigan State University, M.A. from the University of Kentucky, and B.A. from Georgetown University.
While an undergraduate at Georgetown, Jon was inspired and nurtured by his Sociology professor, Richard Scudder. His goal, in turn, has been to stimulate his students to become more active learners, and to provide them with life-long benefits from the slant on social life that sociology provides.
“Sociology--with its perspectives, concepts, theories, and research findings—offers a window on the social forces that affect us all daily. This perspective is vital for students as they grapple to understand the social factors that promote patterned behavior in themselves and others.”
After completing his Ph.D., Jon taught introductory sociology and the sociology of organizations at the University of Kentucky. He also has taught courses in Business and Professional Ethics, Ethical and Regulatory Environment, Law, Business and Society, Organization Behavior, Organization Theory and Principles of Management.
For 14 years, he led the Virginia Tech Department of Management. Jon has received numerous teaching awards at both universities, including the University of Kentucky Great Teacher Award.
He is the author of 10 books and more than 40 professional journal articles, as well as a journal referee, and has presented at academic conferences around the world.
Jon is a member of the Academy of Management and the American Sociological Association.
| Format | ISBN | List Price | Wessex Website Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardcover | 978-0-9994861-4-6 | $ 234.70 USD | $ 234.70 USD |
| Softcover | 978-0-9994861-5-3 | $ 144.70 USD | $ 139.70 USD |
| E-Book | 978-0-9994861-6-0 | N/A | $ 89.70 USD |