Sociology permeates our everyday language, our media, government policies even the way we think. How can we identify it? How can developing a sociological gaze help us understand the way we live? Public Sociology shows that our lives are not solely determined by personal choices. Rather, we are affected by a raft of public issues, from the state of the economy to the availability of good quality health care, to new technologies. By developing a sociological gaze - or imagination - we can see the way private and public interact for better or worse in our lives. Public Sociology also emphasises the utility and application of sociology in professional and community life. The authors show how the skills and tools of sociological training and an empirically grounded sociological perspective are essential to understanding and engaging with contemporary Australian society. Compiled by two of the most experienced teachers and textbook authors in Australian sociology, Public Sociology is a student-friendly and flexible learning tool. Leading authors provide accessible, topical and lively chapters based on contemporary empirical and theoretical work. The book also offers extensive student support including case studies, activities, related resources and a glossary.

Table of Contents

PrefaceAcknowledgmentsContributors AbbreviationsGuided TourModule I: Doing Public Sociology1: The sociological gaze - John Germov and Marilyn Poole2: Sociological foundations: Early theorists and theories - Marilyn Poole and John Germov3: Contemporary sociological theories of modernity and post-modernity - Marilyn Poole and John Germov 4: Sociological investigations - Tara Renae McGee Module II: Social Identities5: Socialisation and the new genetics - Marilyn Poole6: Youth culture - Pam Nilan7: Families and social change - Marilyn Poole8: Consumption and lifestyles - Ian Woodward9: Sporting life - Peter Mewett10: The remix generation' and multiple identities - Vince MarottaModule III: Social Differences and Inequalities11: Class and inequality in Australia - Mark Western and Janeen Baxter 12: The gender order - Grazyna Zajdow13: Ethnicity and belonging - Zlatko Skrbis14: Race and reconciliation in Australia - Mered