Introduction to Sociology [Paperback]

Anthony Giddens (Author), Mitchell Duneier (Author), Richard P. Appelbaum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2005

Introduction to Sociology, Fifth Edition, organizes the core concepts of modern sociology around the unifying theme of globalization. Taking a comparative approach, the authors examine American society in a global and historical context, underscoring the wide diversity of social forms and social change. The authors emphasize the connections between American and world societies and the integral role of individuals in shaping both local and global society.

Retaining the hallmark clarity of previous editions, the Fifth Edition has been meticulously updated and revised, adding new material on public sociology, a striking new design and expanded pedagogy, a built-in study guide, and a rich new student Web site.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Anthony Giddens, a world-renowned social theorist, is director of the London School of Economics and Political Science and serves as an adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair. Professor Giddens has written over twenty scholarly works, including Runaway World, his most recent book. Mitchell Duneier is Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the Graduate Center, City University of New York. His books, Slim's Table: Race, Respectability, and Masculinity and Sidewalk, have received several awards, including the Los Angeles Times Prize and the C. Wright Mills Award from the Society for the Study of Social Problems. Richard P. Appelbaum is Professor of Sociology and Global and International Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is currently Director of the Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research and co-director of ISBER's Center for Global Studies. His most recent book is Behind the Label: Inequality in the Los Angeles Garment Industry (with Edna Bonacich). He is also the author of the report of the Los Angeles Jewish Commission on Sweatshops, for which he served as a founding member.

Product Details

• Paperback: 646 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 5th edition (March 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393925536
• ISBN-13: 978-0393925531
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,056,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Critical view on today's sociology - where are we headed ?, October 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction to Sociology (Paperback)

The book [2nd Edition] is very easy to read and understand. A must for students of other fields who want to have a peep into sociology without spending too much time. This book discusses the major question of modern sociology. Not only does it give the reader fast insight into some major matters of sociology, but it also saves the reader many hours of unnecessary reading for an introduction to the subject.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars up to date and accessible, November 20, 2004

By 

E. Perez "community college adjunct" (TN, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Sociology (Paperback)

I have used this book along a more traditional sociology text book, Gellles and Levine 6th Edition, and this book has taken more and more of lecture time. I like the fact that it pust sociology into a global perspective, though I do think some of the examples are geared toward traditional, middle class university students, and not the working class, non traditional students I work with at a community college. However, compared to the G/L book this text is much shorter and conscise. A great introductory text book for sociology, with personal examples to think critically and sociologically about globalization. I also like its inclusion of feminist theory and general gender issues through out the book, not just in the gender chapter. I highly recommend it.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars explains main concepts in sociology, June 26, 2006

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Sociology (Paperback)

The (distinguished) authors give a newcomer to sociology an indepth introduction. Explaining the main concepts in the field. While also trying to imbue the student with an enthusiasm for sociology. The text is well polished, as it should be for a fifth edition.

The book surveys various human communities throughout the world, to give a basis for comparative analysis. By doing so, the reader should gain an appreciation for other modes of living. And also how to analyse one's own society or subsets of it, in an objective manner.