Explores why sociology is important and relevant to everyday life. This up-to-date text gets students to see the connections between themselves and the social world. It teaches students how to think sociologically, not just what to think, and shows how sociology can help us make sense of our lives. Conversational and engaging, it comprehensively covers important aspects and current issues in Australian and New Zealand society, whilst emphasising the importance of diversity and a global perspective. It stands out for its ability to present sociological concepts in a fresh, contemporary light, offering tempting examples from music, sports, movies, TV, fashion, the Web and other elements of popular culture that instantly connect with today's students.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Foundations - 1. A sociological compass; 2. How sociologists do research. Part 2: Basic social processes - 3. Culture; 4. Socialisation; 5. Social interaction. Part 3: Institutional life - 6. Work and the economy; 7. Politics; 8. Families; 9. Religion; 10. Education; 11. The mass media; 12. Health and medicine; 13. Sport and leisure. Part 4: Inequalities - 14. Class and stratification; 15. Race and ethnicity; 16. Sexuality and gender; 17. Deviance and crime; 18. Disability, ageing and death. Part 5: Social change - 19. Population, urbanisation and rurality; 20. Social movements and social change; 21. Globalisation and development; 22. Environmental sustainability.