The Sociology Book

Can social divisions ever be eradicated? What leads people into a life of crime? And how has the online world transformed our relationships?



Exploring all of “big ideas” and key milestones in the field of sociology in a clear and simple way, The Sociology Book answers these questions and more besides, and is the perfect introduction to the subject.

Untangling knotty theories and shedding light on abstract concepts, entries unpack each complex idea with a combination of easy-to-follow explanations, innovative graphics, and intriguing quotes.

Understand the forces that shape how we live together, from the foundations of government and identity to inequality, globalization, and cultural change. Trace the evolution of sociological thought – from classic theories by Karl Marx and Auguste Comte to contemporary insights from Judith Butler and Sharon Zukin. And uncover key concepts like “liquid modernity,” “communitarianism,” and the “Disneyfication” of society along the way.

Fully revised and updated with eight brand-new pages of content, The Sociology Book is a truly accessible and comprehensive route into a fascinating subject.