Down to Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings, Fourteenth Edition (Paperback)

~ James M. Henslin (Author)
Key Phrases: weight loss groups, one fraternity man, sympathy credits, United States, New York, Social Register (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"My students have embraced the relevant and interesting articles in your book. We have had myriad days in which one article has instigated an intoxicating sociological discussion for an entire class period."

-- Philip Luck, Georgia State University

"I've been using this reader for eleven years. I love it! And so do my students."

-- R. Robin Miller, Drury University

Product Description

For thirty-five years and through thirteen editions, Jim Henslin's Down to Earth Sociology has opened new windows onto the social realities that shape our world. Now in its fourteenth edition, the most popular anthology in sociology includes new articles on our changing world while also retaining its classic must-read essays. Focusing on social interaction in everyday life, the forty-six selections bring students face-to-face with the twin projects of contemporary sociology: understanding the individual's experience of society and analyzing social structure.

The fourteenth edition's exceptional new readings include selections on the role of sympathy in everyday life, mistaken perceptions of the American family, the effects of a criminal record on getting a job, and the major social trends affecting our future. Together with these essential new articles, the selections by Peter Berger, Herbert Gans, Erving Goffman, Donna Eder, Zella Luria, C. Wright Mills, Deborah Tannen, Barrie Thorne, Sidney Katz, Philip Zimbardo, and many others provide firsthand reporting that gives students a sense of "being there." Henslin also explains basic methods of social research, providing insight into how sociologists explore the social world. The selections in Down to Earth Sociology highlight the most significant themes of contemporary sociology, ranging from the sociology of gender, power, politics, and religion to the contemporary crises of racial tension, crime, rape, poverty, and homelessness.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 624 pages
• Publisher: Free Press; 14 edition (February 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416536205
• ISBN-13: 978-1416536208
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #67,204 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting book, February 13, 2008

By	Arthur Wallace (Queens, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

No matter if you're studying sociology or just have an interest in how people think, this book will intrigue you.

I bought it for class and expected a boring textbook. Instead I am finding it well worth reading and I especially like how it relates to how everyday people think, not just people in studying sociology.

5.0 out of 5 stars Much more interesting than your standard textbook, October 29, 2009

By	J. Graffeo "End to joy" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book for my Sociology class and ended up enjoying almost every article I read in it. This is the book that made me change my major to Sociology. I highly recommend this for anybody even slightly interested in the subject.

4.0 out of 5 stars Down to Earth Sociology book, October 2, 2009

By	T. Fraser - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is required for my Sociology class. I ordered it via Amazon.com and received it in about a week. I got it just in time for my next class. Most readings so far are very interesting. Good readings.