The indispensable guide to understanding the world we make and the lives we lead

This thoroughly revised and fully updated tenth edition remains unrivalled in its vibrant, engaging and authoritative introduction to sociology. The authors provide a commanding overview of the sociological approach to contemporary global challenges and the latest conceptual developments in this fascinating subject.

Written in a fluent, easy-to-follow style, the book manages to be both intellectually rigorous and readily accessible. As well as providing a firm grounding in the classics of the field and their decolonial critique, it draws particular attention to dominant themes shaping the social world today, from the increasing digitization of society to the important role identity plays in numerous contexts.

The tenth edition includes:

• a solid foundation in the basics of sociology – its purpose, methodology and theories;
• up-to-date overviews of the core topics in sociology – from class, gender and race to globalization, the media and politics;
• stimulating discussion of what sociology has to say about key issues of our time, such as climate change, the resurgence of military conflict and the growing polarization of politics in societies across the world;
• maintaining the focus on global connections which has animated this book since its very first edition, the tenth edition further develops this by analysing global inequalities today and exploring the ways in which digital technologies are radically transforming our lives;
• employing an interactive pedagogy, the tenth edition aims to engage and excite readers and help them see the enduring value of thinking sociologically.

The tenth edition continues to set the standard for introductory sociology in a rapidly changing and ever more complex social world. It is the ideal teaching text for first-year university and college courses and it will help to inspire a new generation of sociologists.