Review
"Overall, the book is well organized and well written. The selection and sequence of the chapters correspond quite well to the way I teach my course. Worthy of note are the discussions of global social change throughout the text. Also, theories are explained well. For example, Wallersteins world system theory is expalined clearly and then, elaborated on well in the markets and world economic system. Further, the "Then and Now" sections portray images that contrast the past with the present and allow for the studnets to exercise their sociological imaginations. For instance, the cigarette smoking "Then and Now" is a good example to indicate how outside social forces (changed norms and values of the group) influence individual behavior and perspectives concerning the behavior."
"Global Social Change (chapter 10) is an excellent topic on which to close out the general survey of sociology. It allows the author to reiterate the per of change and to summarize several of the more important effects of change in molding the contemporary world."
"Chapter 5 reads well and is logical (in organization), the students like it, and are interested in the material. I like the presentation and the use of illustrations."
"The organization of material in this breif chapter (Chapter 4 on Societies and Nations) is logical and consistent. I appreciate a text that really treats the concept of social structure with the detail presented in Kornblum. I was also very much impressed with Kornblums discussion of societal evolution. Kornblum takes the difficult and abstract concepts of social structure and organization and makes them more concrete for the introductory student."
"The Study Charts were excellent tools. I can easily see them as an overhead/Powerpoint presentation and being able to lecture and discuss many point offered in them."
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
Product Description
This comprehensive, student-friendly introductory textbook emphasizes the reality of social change and its impact on individuals, groups, and societies throughout the world. The text carefully balances contemporary and classic theory and research, with special attention to the works of female and minority social scientists and cross-cultural studies. Kornblum applies all the major perspectives of sociology without giving undue emphasis to any single approach.