Includes bibliographical references and index.

1 Understanding Sociology 2 Sociological Research 3 Culture 4 Socialization and the Life Course 5 Social Interaction, Groups, and Social Structure 6 Mass Media and Social Media 7 Deviance, Crime, and Social Control 8 Stratification and Social Mobility in the United States 9 Global Inequality 10 Racial and Ethnic Inequality 11 Stratification by Gender and Sexuality12 The Family and Household Diversity 13 Education and Religion 14 Government and the Economy15 Health, Population, and the Environment 16 Social Change in the Global Community

"Sociology: A Brief Introduction connects essential sociological theories, research, and concepts to students' daily experiences. The program highlights the distinctive ways sociologists explore human social behavior and how their research findings can help students think critically about the broader principles that guide their lives. In doing so, it helps students begin to think sociologically, using what they have learned to evaluate human interactions and institutions independently. With up-to-date scholarship, examples, and photos, Dr. Schaefer's market-leading, student-friendly program features thorough integration of the latest research on race, ethnicity, and globalization"--Provided by publisher