Sociology Understanding and Changing

Abstract

In writing Sociology: Understanding and Changing a Social World (Brief), Steve Barkan had simple aims:

To make sociology relevant for today"s students by balancing traditional coverage with a fresh approach To maintain the structure and contents of the best mainstream sociology texts in the market Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World (Brief) presents a sociological understanding of society but also a sociological perspective on how to change society.'

'PEDAGOGICAL FEATURES

SOCIAL ISSUES IN THE NEWS: Almost every chapter starts with recent media coverage recounting chapter-related events and proceeds with thought-provoking discussion about the social issue related to the event. This treatment of the news story helps students appreciate the relevance of sociology for newsworthy issues. SOCIOLOGY MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Discusses a particular social issue and shows how sociological insights and findings can address the issue and achieve social reform. LEARNING FROM OTHER SOCIETIES: Discusses the experience in other nations on a social issue related to the chapter, helping students appreciate what has worked and not worked in other nations and thus better understand how social reform might be achieved in the United States. WHAT SOCIOLOGY SUGGESTS: Summarizes social policies grounded in sociological theory and research that hold strong potential for addressing issues discussed in the chapter. THEORY SNAPSHOTS: Many chapters contain tables providing a quick reference tool for students to understand varying theoretical approaches to sociological topics. USING SOCIOLOGY: Almost every chapter presents a hypothetical scenario concerning an issue from the chapter and asks students to make a decision involving social change. These vignettes help students connect the chapter"s discussion with real-life situations and better appreciate the relevance of sociological knowledge for social reform. CONCLUSION: UNDERSTANDING & CHANGING THE SOCIAL WORLD: A brief and unique final chapter sums up what students have learned about society and themselves and reviews the relevance of sociology for achieving social change.'