Sociology [antikvár]

PREFACE Much of the excitement in writing an introductory sociology text lies in keeping abreast of a constantly changing field. Since the first edition of this book in 1975, Donald Light and Suzanne Keller have worked to include the best of modern sociology: a lively blend of important theories and new scientific research, interwoven with analysis of social topics of great current interest. For this fifth edition, our team has been expanded to include Craig Calhoun, and we have worked together on a top-to-bottom revision. As always, our goal has been to convey the excitement of sociological discovery and our love for the field. From the classical scholarship of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim to the latest research findings, we believe that sociology offers provocative insights into the contemporary world. Our goal is to encourage our readers to apply these insights to their own lives and to the major issues of their times. MAJOR CHANGES IN THE FIFTH EDITION As we enter the 1990s, sociology is experiencing a new wave of excitement. Major theoretical projects like those of Pierre Bourdieu, Jurgen Habermas, and Anthony Giddens are coming to fruition. Sociological research is having visible impacts on public policy issues from Sunbelt migration and job creation to arts policy and media regulation. Sociologists are in demand in business and government as well as academic careers. Enroll- ments are up; good students are seeking the help of sociological knowledge in understanding the world in which they live and work. To serve these students, and to reflect contemporary sociology as accurately as possible, we have extensively revised the organization and contents of the text. 1. We have reorganized the table of contents into six well-integrated sections: The Sociological Perspective, The Individual and Society, Social Groupings, Inequality and Power, Social Institutions, and The Transformation of Society. 2. We have added new chapters on science and technology and the life course to reflect key areas of current sociological research and public concern. 3. We have also expanded our treatment of politics into a full chapter with a substantial section on war; expanded our treatment of the economy into a new chapter on business, work and the economy; expanded our treatment of population and health care into a full chapter each. 4. Wherever possible, we have used vivid case studies and striking social patterns to introduce chapters and sections within chapters. Leading inductively with these examples makes the book more interesting to students and makes concepts clearer and more memorable. 5. To reflect the diversity of theoretical approaches active in sociology today, including especially the wide range of perspectives often labelled "conflict" theory, we have revised our presentation of theory. In Chapter 1, we show how