Sociology: Making Sense of Society

The fourth edition of this respected introductory text to Sociology continues to approach the discipline in an accessible but rigorous way. A solid theoretical and methodological introduction is followed by in-depth coverage of social insitutions and divisions.  Brand new chapters cover the following issues: ‘Race, Ethnicity and Nationalism’, ‘Environment’,‘Disability and the Body’, ‘Global Divisions’, ‘Families and Households’, ‘Health, Illness and the Body’, and ‘Religion’. All other chapters have been fully revised.

Theory is illustrated and applied through contemporary examples, and students are also provided with reflective opportunities throughout.  The text is highly illustrated in full colour, with images, tables and empirical data, and students are encouraged to engage with excerpts of primary readings. Substantial case studies, 'closer look' boxes and activities afford opportunities for discussion, extension and seminar work.

Sociology: making sense of society remains essential reading for students of sociology, criminology, social policy, social work, cultural studies, media studies, anthropology and other related subjects.

'a fine achievement that will suit first year undergraduates admirably'

Frank Webster, Professor of Sociology, City University, THES

This substantially revised fourth edition of Sociology: making sense of society remains an essential, authoritative and widely used introduction to the area. The authors thoroughly explore the diversity, contradictions and challenges we encounter in our social world with expertise, coherence and empathy.

This text distinguishes itself by first laying the foundations for a theoretically and methodologically robust understanding of the area. Key topics are then examined in an accessible yet rigorous manner, encouraging you to reflect within a wide social, cultural and historical context. Topical, stimulating and relevant examples from across the world help you to situate, contextualize and apply your thinking.

Crucially, this text frequently asks you to consider your position in the world, drawing you into the debates, and all the time conveying the excitement of studying sociology.

Main features:

• Expert contributions cover all the key areas of sociology.
• Primary excerpts encourage students to engage with original material.
• In-text features including ‘Stop and think’, ‘Case study’ and ‘A closer look’ help you focus on key issues, investigate further and reflect. 'World in Focus' case study feature places sociology in a global context.
• Highly illustrated throughout with provocative images and informative diagrams and tables.
• End-of-chapter activities provide projects for discussion and extension of study and debate.

New to this edition:

• Brand new chapters on: ‘Race', ethnicity and nationalism; Disability; Global divisions; Families and households; Health, illness and the body; Environment; and Religion. All other chapters fully revised.
• New four-part structure and introductions – The sociological imagination; Social divisions; Sociology of everyday life; Knowledge and power - bring intellectual coherence and a more holistic sociological view, as well as clearer navigation within the book.
•  Key sociological themes are identified, explained and connected as part of a coherent and comprehensible sociological narrative – particularly social construction, stratification, inequality and identity, social problems, continuity and change, meanings, and the personal and the public.
• Full-colour design brings out the vitality of our social world.
• Rich new website resources provide extensive study support, including: topic-by-topic suggestions and guidance for projects, activities, debates, and research pathways, as well as multiple-choice questions, chapter-by-chapter links to interactive multimedia, and an instructor’s manual. Visit the website at www.pearsoned.co.uk/marsh

Sociology: Making sense of society remains essential reading for students of sociology, criminology, social policy, social work, cultural studies, media studies, anthropology and other related subjects.

Ian Marsh is Principal Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology at Liverpool Hope University.

Mike Keating is Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology at Liverpool Hope University.

Samantha Punch is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Stirling University.

Jeni Harden is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Napier University.