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Overview of Sociology and Key Concepts

Jan 26, 2025

Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach

Author

  • James M. Henslin
  • Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville

Overview

  • 13th Edition
  • Focus on how society and groups influence individuals
  • Covers a range of sociological topics from social structure to change

Key Sections and Topics

Sociological Perspective

  • Origins of Sociology
  • Key figures: Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber
  • Theoretical Perspectives: Symbolic Interactionism, Functional Analysis, Conflict Theory

Culture

  • Definition and Components of Culture
  • Cultural Relativism and its Practice
  • Language and Perception: Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
  • Subcultures and Countercultures
  • Cultural Universals and Technology

Socialization

  • Socialization Process and Influences
  • The Self and Mind: Cooley, Mead, Piaget
  • Role of Family, Peers, and Media in Socialization
  • Socialization into Gender
  • Resocialization and Life Course

Social Structure and Interaction

  • Macrosociology vs. Microsociology
  • Components of Social Structure
  • Social Institutions
  • Symbolic Interaction in Everyday Life
  • Dramaturgy and Ethnomethodology

Social Groups and Organizations

  • Types of Groups: Primary, Secondary
  • In-Groups and Out-Groups
  • Bureaucracies and their Characteristics
  • Group Dynamics and Leadership

Deviance and Social Control

  • Definition and Relative Nature of Deviance
  • Theories of Deviance: Differential Association, Control Theory, Labeling Theory
  • Reactions to Deviance: Sanctions, Crime, and Punishment

Global Stratification

  • Systems of Stratification: Slavery, Caste, Class
  • Maintenance of Stratification
  • Colonialism and World System Theory

Social Class in the United States

  • Definition and Components: Property, Power, Prestige
  • Consequences of Social Class
  • Social Mobility and Poverty

Race and Ethnicity

  • Reality and Myths of Race
  • Prejudice and Discrimination
  • Global Patterns of Intergroup Relations

Gender and Age

  • Gender Inequality in the U.S. and Globally
  • Aging and its Sociological Perspectives

Politics and the Economy

  • Types of Authority and Government
  • Economic Systems: Capitalism and Socialism
  • Global Economic Structures

Marriage and Family

  • Family Structures and Functions
  • Theoretical Perspectives on Family
  • Trends in U.S. Families

Education and Religion

  • Education Systems and Their Functions
  • Religion and Its Sociological Perspectives

Population and Urbanization

  • Population Growth and Urban Patterns
  • Urban Problems and Social Policy

Social Change and Environment

  • Social Movements and Revolutions
  • Technology's Impact on Society
  • Environmental Sociology

Additional Features

  • Sections on globalization, cultural diversity, and critical thinking
  • Emphasis on applying sociology to everyday life
  • Visual aids like maps, figures, and photo essays

Supplements

  • Instructors Resource Manual
  • Test Bank and PowerPoint slides
  • Revel interactive learning environment

Author Background

  • Jim Henslin, PhD in Sociology
  • Interests in everyday life, deviance, and international relations
  • Extensive teaching and travel experience