Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
About the Contributors
Kathleen Odell Korgen
Chapter 1: Training Your Sociological Eye
Changing How You View the World
Sociology As a Social Science
Differentiating Between Good Generalizations and Stereotypes
The Obligations of Sociology
The Benefits of Sociology
Kathleen S. Lowney and Kathleen Korgen
Chapter 2: Understanding Theory
Understanding the Structural Functionalist Perspective
Understanding the Conflict Theoretical Perspective
Understanding the Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
Mikaila Mariel Lemonik Arthur and Amanda M. Jungels
Chapter 3: Using Research Methods
What Are Data and Where Do We Get Them?
Getting Started Doing Research
How Can You Recognize Good (and Bad) Research?
David E. Rohall
Chapter 4: Recognizing Culture
Identifying Elements of Culture
Chapter 5: Understanding Socialization and Interaction
Understanding Theories of Socialization
Status, Social Roles, and Identity
Groups, Organizations, and Bureaucracies
Rena C. Zito
Chapter 6: Identifying Deviant Behavior
Origins of the Sociology of Deviance
Managing Deviant Identities
Sandra Enos
Chapter 7: Confronting Economic Inequality
What Is Economic Inequality?
Meritocracy and the Functions of Inequality
Understanding Social Stratification
Examining the Class System
Mobility Within and Across Generations
Consequences of Inequality
Kathleen Odell Korgen
Chapter 8: Recognizing the Importance of Race
Defining Race and Ethnicity
Discrimination by the U.S. Government
Racial and Ethnic Inequality Today
Responding to Racism and Ethnocentrism Today
Maxine P. Atkinson
Chapter 9: Constructing Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
Defining Sex, Gender, Intersex, and Transgender
Using Theory to Understand Gender
Creating Gender and Sexual Identities, Recognizing Sexualities
Gender, Sexuality, and Work
Gender and Intimate Relationships
Richard A. Zdan
Chapter 10: Understanding Institutions: Politics and the Economy
The State, Power, and Legitimacy
Forms of Legitimate Domination
Theoretical Approaches to Politics
Beyond Politics and Economy: Communism and Fascism
Carissa Froyum
Chapter 11: Understanding Institutions: Families
Changing Families Across History
Understanding Families Through Theory
Families Caring for Each Other
How Work, Policy, and Technology Shape Families
Melissa S. Fry
Chapter 12: Understanding Institutions: Education
What Is Education as an Institution?
Education and Social Inequality in the United States
Global Education and Inequality
Education Policy: Leveling the Playing Field and Saving Democracy
Amy Irby-Shasanmi
Chapter 13: Understanding Institutions: Experiencing Health, Illness, and Medical Care
What Does Sociology Have to Do With Health, Illness, and Medical Care?
Explaining Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health
Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and Health
The U.S. Health Care System
Andrea N. Hunt
Chapter 14: Understanding Institutions: Religion
Defining Religion Sociologically
Religious Pluralism and Secularization
Changing Religious Life in the United States
Global Diffusion of Religion
Applying Sociological Theory to Religion
Religion and Social Issues, Social Change, and Everyday Life
John Chung-En Liu
Chapter 15: Saving the Environment
Facing Our Environmental Challenges
How Do Sociologists Study Environmental Issues?
How Did We Get Here? Theories of Environmental Change
Consumption and the Environment
Who Suffers Most from Environmental Problems?
Social Solutions to Environmental Problems
Wendy M. Christensen
Chapter 16: Changing Society Through Social Movements
What Is a Social Movement?
Participating in Social Movements
Types of Social Movements
The Six Steps of Social Movement Success
Success and Backlash: The Marriage Equality Movement
How Can We Create Social Change?
Glossary
References