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An Introduction to Sociology
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An Introduction to Sociology

Second Edition
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May 2026 | 616 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
An Introduction to Sociology is your essential guide to understanding the social forces that shape our lives and the world around us.

This innovative textbook introduces you to the key theories, themes, and concepts in the discipline of sociology. Delving into the history, current debates and recent research on each topic, this book covers everything from classical sociologies and traditional subjects such as class, families, and religion, through to cutting-edge areas like AI, climate change and social media, and the interconnectedness of modern global society.

In this second edition you will encounter:

-      Brand new chapters on media, cities, disability, sexuality and nationalism;

-      Case Study boxes in each chapter taking you through cases from around the world;

-      An applied approach with a section on ‘Using Sociology’ and ‘Hear from the Expert’ boxes throughout;

-      Reflexive activities and revision questions to help you think critically about sociology in practice.

This definitive text is perfect for first-year sociology undergraduates and anyone studying sociology at university or college level.

 
Chapter 1: Approaching Sociology
 
Chapter 2: What is Society
 
Chapter 3: Global Sociology and Our Interconnected World
 
Chapter 4: Classical Sociologies
 
Chapter 5: Contemporary Sociologies
 
Chapter 6: Public Sociology
 
Chapter 7: Class
 
Chapter 8: Gender
 
Chapter 9: Sexuality
 
Chapter 10: Race
 
Chapter 11: Age
 
Chapter 12: Disability and Neurodiversity
 
Chapter 13: Families and Households
 
Chapter 14: Work
 
Chapter 15: Health
 
Chapter 16: Education
 
Chapter 17: Religion
 
Chapter 18: Crime and Deviance
 
Chapter 19: Cultures & Consumption
 
Chapter 20: Digital Sociologies
 
Chapter 21: Media and Sociology
 
Chapter 22: War and Political Violence
 
Chapter 23: Nationalism and National Identity
 
Chapter 24: Social Movements
 
Chapter 25: Migrations
 
Chapter 26: Climate Change and the Environment
 
Chapter 27: Science and Technology
 
Chapter 28: Living in the City
 
Chapter 29: Using Sociology

This comprehensive collection provides up to date and relevant sociological information from experts in each topic area. Theory is made accessible and applicable through practical examples. This book is a perfect broad overview and will be all you need at the start of your sociology course before choosing your own specialised direction. 

Nancy Lombard
Professor of Sociology, Glasgow Caledonian University

This second edition of Introduction to Sociology invites the reader to view the world from a contemporary sociological perspective by exploring key issues in modern global society (including the concept of society itself), such as responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, digital society, immigration and decolonisation amongst many other issues.  It is refreshing to have an entry level text that explores contemporary issues using classic theoretical frameworks to explore emergent sociological concepts. Illustrated throughout by case studies relevant and familiar to today’s readers and interspersed with questions inviting the reader to ‘pause for thought’ to critically analyse and explore an issue in greater depth.

Helen Cazaly Taylor
Senior Lecturer in Childhood at Nottingham Trent University