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