Sociology 7th Edition: What's New and Improved in this Edition?
Sociology 7th Edition by Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton: A Comprehensive and Engaging Introduction to the Discipline
If you are looking for a textbook that will help you understand the complex and fascinating world of human societies, you might want to consider Sociology by Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton. This book, now in its seventh edition, is one of the most popular and widely used introductions to sociology in the world. It provides a comprehensive, authoritative and accessible overview of the main theories, concepts, methods and findings of sociology, as well as a rich variety of examples, case studies, exercises and activities that will stimulate your interest and curiosity. In this article, we will review some of the key features and benefits of this book, as well as its companion volume Sociology: Introductory Readings, which offers a selection of classic and contemporary sociological texts that complement and expand on the main textbook. We will also give you some tips on how to use these books effectively as a learning resource for your studies.
Sociology 7th Edition Anthony Giddens
What is sociology and why study it?
Sociology is the scientific study of human social life, groups and societies. It aims to understand how people interact with each other, how they organize themselves into various forms of social structures and institutions, how they create and maintain cultures, values, norms and identities, how they cope with change and conflict, and how they shape and are shaped by their social environments. Sociology is a broad and diverse discipline that covers topics such as family, education, religion, politics, economy, media, culture, gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, health, crime, deviance, social movements, globalization and many more.
The sociological imagination
One of the key concepts that sociology introduces to students is the sociological imagination, which was coined by the American sociologist C. Wright Mills in 1959. The sociological imagination is the ability to see the connections between our personal lives and the larger social forces that influence them. It helps us to look beyond our common sense assumptions and opinions, and to question the taken-for-granted aspects of our everyday reality. It also enables us to see ourselves as active agents who can make a difference in the world, rather than passive victims of circumstances beyond our control.
The scope and diversity of sociology
Sociology is a very broad and diverse discipline that can be approached from different perspectives and levels of analysis. Some sociologists focus on the micro-level of social interaction between individuals or small groups, while others examine the macro-level of large-scale social structures and processes. Some sociologists use quantitative methods such as surveys, experiments or statistics to collect and analyze data, while others use qualitative methods such as interviews, observations or documents to explore meanings and interpretations. Some sociologists adopt a more theoretical or abstract approach to explain social phenomena, while others apply their knowledge to practical or policy-oriented issues.
The benefits of studying sociology
Studying sociology can offer many benefits for students, both academically and personally. Academically, sociology can help you to develop critical thinking, analytical and research skills that are essential for any field of study or career. Sociology can also enhance your knowledge and understanding of the world and its diversity, complexity and challenges. Sociology can help you to appreciate the perspectives and experiences of different groups and cultures, and to recognize the sources and consequences of social inequalities and injustices. Personally, sociology can help you to reflect on your own life and identity, and to make informed and responsible decisions about your future.
What is new in the seventh edition of Sociology?
The seventh edition of Sociology by Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton was published in 2013 by Polity Press. It is the result of a thorough revision and update of the previous editions, which have been widely acclaimed and adopted by students and instructors around the world since 1989. The seventh edition reflects the latest developments and debates in sociology, as well as the changing social and global context in which we live. Some of the new and improved features of this edition are:
Updated and revised content
The seventh edition covers a wide range of topics and issues that are relevant and important for contemporary sociology, such as the global financial crisis, the Arab Spring, the environmental crisis, new media technologies, feminist social theory, intersectionality, shifting global power and many more. The book also incorporates the most recent research findings and theoretical perspectives from various fields of sociology, such as cultural sociology, economic sociology, political sociology, urban sociology, health sociology, etc. The book also revisits some of the classic studies and debates in sociology, such as Durkheim's study of suicide, Weber's analysis of bureaucracy, Marx's critique of capitalism, Parsons' theory of social action, etc., and shows how they are still relevant and useful for understanding contemporary social phenomena.
New and improved pedagogical features
The seventh edition is designed to be a user-friendly and interactive learning resource that engages and excites students. It contains a number of pedagogical features that help students to navigate through the book, to check their understanding, to apply their knowledge, to develop their skills and to extend their learning. Some of these features are:
Chapter summaries: At the end of each chapter, there is a concise summary of the main points and arguments covered in the chapter.
Key concepts: Throughout the book, there are boxes that highlight and explain the key concepts and terms used in sociology.
Classic studies: Throughout the book, there are boxes that introduce and discuss some of the classic studies that have shaped the development of sociology.
Global society: Throughout the book, there are boxes that illustrate how sociological issues and topics are related to global processes and phenomena.
Thinking critically: Throughout the book, there are reflection points that invite students to think critically about sociological questions and problems.
Questions for discussion: At the end of each chapter, there are questions that encourage students to discuss and debate sociological issues with their peers or instructors.
Further reading: At the end of each chapter, there are suggestions for further reading that direct students to relevant books or articles that expand on the topics covered in the chapter.
Glossary: At the end of the book, there is a comprehensive glossary that defines all the key concepts and terms used in the book.
A strong focus on global sociology
The seventh edition emphasizes the importance of global sociology, which is the study of how social phenomena are influenced by global forces and how they affect different regions and countries in the world. The book recognizes that we live in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, where social issues and problems transcend national boundaries and require global solutions. The book also acknowledges that sociology is a global discipline that draws on diverse traditions and perspectives from different parts of the world. The book therefore aims to provide a balanced and inclusive coverage of global sociology, by incorporating examples and case studies from various regions and countries, by highlighting the similarities and differences between different societies and cultures, by addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization, by examining the role and impact of transnational actors such as multinational corporations or international organizations, by exploring how global processes affect local communities or individuals, etc.
How to use Sociology and Sociology: Introductory Readings as a learning resource?
The structure and organization of the main textbook
The main textbook, Sociology, is divided into eight parts, each consisting of several chapters that cover a specific theme or topic in sociology. The parts are:
What is Sociology?: This part introduces the discipline of sociology, its history, its methods and its main concepts.
Social Identities: This part explores how people construct and express their identities in relation to various social categories, such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class and age.
Networks and Organizations: This part examines how people interact and communicate with each other in different types of social networks and organizations, such as families, groups, communities, bureaucracies and corporations.
Societies and Globalization: This part analyzes how societies are organized and transformed by various social forces and processes, such as culture, religion, economy, politics, media, environment and globalization.
Social Inequalities: This part investigates how societies produce and reproduce various forms of social inequalities and injustices, such as poverty, class divisions, gender oppression, racial discrimination and human rights violations.
Social Change and Social Movements: This part explores how societies change and resist change through various forms of collective action and social movements, such as revolutions, protests, campaigns and activism.
Body and Society: This part focuses on how societies shape and are shaped by the human body and its functions, such as health, illness, disability, ageing, death and sexuality.
Living in a Digital World: This part discusses how societies are influenced and transformed by new digital technologies and media, such as the internet, social media, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
Each chapter follows a similar structure that consists of:
An introduction that outlines the main objectives and questions of the chapter.
A main body that presents the key arguments and evidence of the chapter.
A conclusion that summarizes the main points and implications of the chapter.
A set of pedagogical features that help students to check their understanding, to apply their knowledge, to develop their skills and to extend their learning.
The selection and purpose of the reader
The companion volume, Sociology: Introductory Readings, is a collection of 48 readings that are selected from various sources of sociological literature. The readings are grouped into ten parts that correspond to the main themes or topics covered in the main textbook. The parts are:
The Sociological Perspective: This part introduces some of the foundational texts that define the nature and purpose of sociology.
Theories of Society: This part presents some of the classical and contemporary theories that explain how societies work and change.
Research Methods: This part illustrates some of the different methods that sociologists use to collect and analyze data.
Natural and Urban Environments: This part explores how societies interact with their natural and urban environments.
Institutions and Organizations: This part examines how societies are structured by various institutions and organizations.
Social Inequalities: This part investigates how societies produce and reproduce various forms of social inequalities.
Relationships and the Life-course: This part focuses on how people form and maintain relationships throughout their life-course.
Interaction and Communication: This part analyzes how people communicate and present themselves in social situations.
Health and the Body: This part discusses how societies shape and are shaped by health and the body.
and deviance.
Each reading is preceded by an introduction that provides some background information and context for the reading, and followed by a set of questions that help students to check their understanding, to apply their knowledge, to develop their skills and to extend their learning.
The purpose of the reader is to complement and expand on the main textbook by providing students with original sociological texts that illustrate and exemplify the theories, concepts and issues discussed in the textbook. The reader also exposes students to different styles and forms of sociological writing, such as essays, articles, reports, manifestos, etc. The reader also encourages students to engage with sociological texts critically and creatively, by asking them to compare and contrast different perspectives, to evaluate arguments and evidence, to relate texts to their own experiences and observations, etc.
The online support and materials
Both Sociology and Sociology: Introductory Readings are accompanied by a comprehensive website that provides additional support and materials for students and instructors. The website can be accessed at www.politybooks.com/giddens. Some of the features and resources available on the website are:
Interactive quizzes: Students can test their knowledge and understanding of each chapter or part of the textbook or reader by taking online quizzes that provide instant feedback and explanations.
Web links: Students can access a curated list of relevant and reliable websites that provide further information and resources on each chapter or part of the textbook or reader.
Podcasts: Students can listen to audio recordings of interviews with leading sociologists who discuss their research and views on various sociological topics.
Videos: Students can watch video clips of lectures, documentaries, debates or animations that illustrate and explore various sociological topics.
PowerPoint slides: Instructors can download ready-made PowerPoint slides that summarize the main points and arguments of each chapter or part of the textbook or reader.
Instructor's manual: Instructors can download a comprehensive instructor's manual that provides guidance on how to use the textbook and reader effectively in teaching sociology, as well as suggestions for activities, assignments, assessments and discussions.
Test bank: Instructors can download a large bank of multiple-choice questions that can be used for creating quizzes or exams for students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sociology by Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to learn about sociology. It is a comprehensive, authoritative and engaging introduction to the discipline that covers a wide range of topics and issues that are relevant and important for contemporary society. It is also a user-friendly and interactive learning resource that provides a variety of pedagogical features and online materials that help students to check their understanding, to apply their knowledge, to develop their skills and to extend their learning. Together with its companion volume Sociology: Introductory Readings, which offers a selection of classic and contemporary sociological texts that complement and expand on the main textbook, it provides a complete package for studying sociology at any level.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sociology by Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton:
Who are Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton?
Anthony Giddens is one of the most influential sociologists and social theorists in the world. He is the former director of the London School of Economics and Political Science, and is now a member of the UK House of Lords. He has written many books on various aspects of sociology, such as The Third Way, The Consequences of Modernity, The Constitution of Society, etc. Philip W. Sutton is an independent researcher who has taught sociology at various universities in the UK. He has co-authored several books with Anthony Giddens, such as Essential Concepts in Sociology, Social Theory and Modern Sociology, etc.
What is the difference between the seventh edition and the previous editions of Sociology?
The seventh edition of Sociology was published in 2013, and is the result of a thorough revision and update of the previous editions. The seventh edition reflects the latest developments and debates in sociology, as well as the changing social and global context in which we live. It also introduces new and improved pedagogical features and online materials that enhance the learning experience for students and instructors.
Do I need to buy both Sociology and Sociology: Introductory Readings?
No, you do not need to buy both books, but it is highly recommended that you do. The main textbook, Sociology, provides a comprehensive, authoritative and accessible overview of the main theories, concepts, methods and findings of sociology, as well as a rich variety of examples, case studies, exercises and activities that will stimulate your interest and curiosity. The companion volume, Sociology: Introductory Readings, provides a selection of classic and contemporary sociological texts that illustrate and exemplify the theories, concepts and issues discussed in the textbook. Together, the two books provide an engaging and thorough introduction to the full scope of sociology.
How can I access the online support and materials for Sociology and Sociology: Introductory Readings?
You can access the online support and materials for both books by visiting the website at www.politybooks.com/giddens. You will find a variety of interactive quizzes, web links, podcasts, videos, PowerPoint slides, instructor's manual and test bank that will help you to learn more about sociology.
Where can I buy Sociology and Sociology: Introductory Readings?
You can buy both books from various online or offline retailers, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, etc. You can also order them directly from the publisher's website at www.politybooks.com/giddens.
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