Best Sociology Books 2023 Understand the Complex Theory of Sociology

In a friendly, jargon-free style, sociologist and broadcaster Jay Gabler introduces you to sociology’s history and basic methods, and once you have your sociological lens adjusted makes it clear how to survey the big questions of culture, gender, ethnicity, religion, politics, and crime with new eyes. You’ll find everything you need to succeed in an introductory sociology class, as well as to apply sociological ideas to give you extra insight into your personal and professional life.

• Get a working knowledge of Sociology 101
• Understand how human communities work
• Engage more deeply with debates on social justice, healthcare, and more
• Interpret and use sociological methods and research

Whether you’re studying sociology at school or just want to gain deeper insight into our collective life, Sociology For Dummies gives you the tools to understand the mechanisms of the human world―and the knowledge to influence how they work for the better.     

In Sociology: Exploring the Architecture of Everyday Life, David Newman shows students how to see the "unfamiliar in the familiar"―to step back and see organization and predictability in their personal experiences. With his approachable writing style and lively personal anecdotes, the author’s goal from the first edition has been the same: to write a textbook that "reads like a real book." Many adopters of this book are fans of Peter Berger′s classic works, which helped introduce the idea of "social constructionism" to sociology.

Newman uses the metaphors of "architecture" and "construction," to help students understand that society is not something that exists "out there," independently of themselves; it is a human creation that is planned, maintained, or altered by individuals.  Using vivid prose, current examples, and fresh data, the Thirteenth Edition presents a unique and thought-provoking overview of how society is constructed and experienced. Instead of surveying every subfield in sociology, the more streamlined coverage (14 chapters) focuses on the individual and society, the construction of self and society, and social inequality in the context of social structures. 

Sociology of Sexualities takes a unique sociological approach to the study of sexualities and explores the ways sexuality operates in and through institutions. Drawing on the most up-to-date scientific research on sexuality, as well as the latest political developments on the issues, this core text helps readers connect knowledge about sexuality with their broader understanding of society. The thoroughly revised Second Edition includes updated and expanded discussions of the latest sociological research and social justice movements regarding gender and sexuality, as well as a new chapter exploring sexuality and social class, space, and place.

Students love The Real World because it was written for them. In every chapter, Ferris and Stein use examples from everyday life and pop culture to get students thinking sociologically and to show the relevance of sociology to their relationships, jobs, and the future of society. Innovative Data Workshops in every chapter and online give students a chance to apply theoretical concepts to their own lives and actually do sociology. With low-cost formats and a robust support package, The Real World sets both students and instructors up for success.

Drawing on up-to-the-minute examples, cutting-edge research, and the most current data, Essentials of Sociology powerfully illustrates how a sociological imagination can make us more thoughtful members of our social world, better citizens, and more effective future workers. (NEW) “Employing Your Sociological Imagination” features highlight the practical value of sociology to a wide range of careers. Extensive pedagogy and innovative media help students not only succeed in the course but also develop the skills necessary for life beyond college.

In the fully updated Fifth Edition of Introduction to Sociology, bestselling author George Ritzer shows you the relevance of sociology to your life. While providing a rock-solid foundation, the text illuminates traditional sociological concepts and theories, as well as some of the most compelling contemporary social phenomena: globalization, consumer culture, the Internet, and the "McDonaldization" of society. Packed with current examples and the latest research of how "public" sociologists are engaging with the critical issues of today, this new edition encourages you to apply a sociological perspective to your worldview empowering you to participate in a global conversation about current social problems.

SOCIOLOGY: THE ESSENTIALS, Tenth Edition, uses the theme of debunking myths to look behind the facades of everyday life, encourage you to question common assumptions, and help you better understand how society is constructed and sustained. This thorough yet streamlined text provides exceptional coverage of diversity, including social factors such as age, religion, sexual orientation, and region of residence, in addition to race, ethnicity, class, and gender. Updated with coverage of the latest findings, trends, and themes, this new edition's reader-friendly presentation teaches you the concepts, methods, and research that will sharpen your "sociological imagination" and help you view the world from a different perspective.

Authored by four leading scholars and teachers, Introduction to Sociology provides an authoritative introduction to basic concepts, major theories, and current research in a streamlined, easy-to-navigate format. A consistent four-part chapter structure makes the reading manageable without sacrificing coverage, while InQuizitive, Norton’s award-winning adaptive learning platform, helps ensure students are mastering the content. At the end of every chapter, a discussion of unanswered questions highlights the power of the sociological imagination to help us better understand our complex society.

Sociology: A Brief Introduction invites students to take sociology with them in their daily lives. This successful student-friendly program includes strong coverage of race, ethnicity, and globalization. The approachable material encourages students to develop their sociological imaginations and start to think like a sociologist. Paired with Connect, a personal and adaptive learning experience, students learn to apply sociology's three theoretical frameworks to the world around them.

Sociology offers a comprehensive presentation of the key concepts of sociology. It guides the students to learn just what they need to know. Providing a dynamic critical-thinking focus, this guide defines all the key concepts you need to understand. It also focuses on contemporary topics that make this sociology book great to choose for your study.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• The sociological perspective
• How to conduct social research
• Understanding culture and socialization
• Defining social structure and society
• Understanding deviance and social control
• Examining social stratification
• Determining inequalities of race and ethnicity
• Understanding various social institution including family, education, religion, and sports
• The impacts of populations and urbanization on the society

This book provides a detailed overview of sociology. From the origins and function of sociology to research methodologies, it covers everything you need to know about this subject. With this book, you will get a deep understanding of sociological thought and study. If you are looking for a book that gives you a broader perspective of sociology, you can choose this one.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• A detailed overview of the sociological perspective
• Implementing social investigation
• Understanding the theories of society and culture
• The process of socialization
• Understanding social interactions in everyday life
• The relation between sexuality and society
• The functions of deviance
• Understanding social stratification
• Examing the social classes in the United States
• The concepts of race and ethnicity
• The relation between economy and work
• Understanding politics and government
• The impacts of population, urbanization on the environment
• Defining collective behavior and social movements

Sociology: A Global Perspective demonstrates how the concepts and theories of sociology can be used to think about the most significant and pressing global issues of our day. It gives you a critical thinking perspective to understand the sociological problems of our world. It teaches you how to apply the concepts and theories of sociology to find an answer to solve these challenges.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• Developing sociological imagination
• Understanding the sociological perspective and methods of research
• Defining the social structure and social interactions
• Dealing with formal organizations
• Examining social inequality
• Distinguishing between gender and sexualities
• The relations between economics and politics
• The impact of population on health care
• Understanding social changes

This is an important guide for adults returning to college (or attending for the first time), military service members, high-school graduates looking to earn college credit, or home-schooled students with knowledge that can translate into college credit. This book provides all the resources you need to take an effective preparation for this exam. If you are one of those and going to sit for CLEP®, then this is a must-read for you.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• A detailed overview of the exam
• Details about the CLEP program
• Test-taking tips
• Preparation for the day of the exam
• Introduction to Sociology
• Various methods of research
• Understanding society and culture
• The relation between economy and society
• Understanding the social stratification
• Defining collective behavior

The Sociology Book explains some of the biggest ideas of Sociology in a comprehensive manner so that readers from any background can digest them easily. It answers to some of humankind's biggest questions. Using an approachable graphic treatment and typography, it distills big ideas and theories of sociology in graspable and memorable concepts. If you are interested to learn some of the most fascinating questions on earth, then this is a must-read book for you.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• How science can help us to build a better world
• The interrelation between society and the human body
• Understanding rationality and its impact on society and culture
• Defining social inequalities
• The concepts in modern living
• Understanding the modern world systems
• The relation between culture and identity
• Understanding work and consumerism
• Examining the role of institutions in our society
• Understanding families and intimacies

Sociology: A Brief Introduction will teach you how to understand sociology through your daily life. The contents are designed in a student-friendly fashion so that you can understand the concepts without having a strong background. This book will help you to develop your sociological imagination and start to think like a sociologist. With a personal and adaptive learning experience, you'll learn to apply sociological theories to the real world around you.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• Understanding the basics of sociology
• Various sociological research methodologies
• The concept of socialization
• Examining social interactions
• Defining social structures
• Understanding deviance, crime, and social control
• Racial and ethnic inequality
• Stratification by gender
• The family and human sexuality
• The connection between religion and education
• Social change in the global community

Sociology: A Down-To-Earth Approach is a student-friendly guide that highlights the sociology of everyday life and its relevance to the students' lives. This sociology book will help you to stimulate your imagination to apply the concepts and theories of Sociology in your day to day life. It will increase your critical thinking and understanding of the modern sociological challenges. If you are looking for a textbook that does not bother you reading, then you should choose this one.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• The sociological perspective
• Understanding culture and socialization
• Social structure and social interactions
• Sociological research
• Defining social groups and social control
• Understanding social inequalities
• Examining social institutions 
  

If you are looking for a book that gives you a comprehensive introduction to sociology, then you must read this book. This book explains the key concepts which are essential for understanding social interaction in many works and social settings. With current examples, you can relate to, this guide takes you to a comprehensive tour of sociology.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• The sociological perspectives
• Research methods
• The relation socialization and development
• Examining social groups and organizations
• Understanding social interactions
• Deviant behavior and social control
• Marriage and changing family arrangments
• Defining political and economic systems

Introduction to Sociology 2e offers a comprehensive study of society and sociological structures. With real-world examples, it explains the key concepts of sociology. If you want to have a deep understanding of society and its structures, you should have a look at this book.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• A detailed overview of sociology
• Sociological research
• Society and social structures
• The concept of groups and organizations
• The impact of media and technology on our society
• Understanding the concept of global inequality
• The idea of marriage and family
• The relation between government and politics
• The impact of population and urbanization on the environment
• Examining social movements and social changes

Introduction to Sociology 2e adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical, one-semester introductory sociology course. It offers comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories. The textbook presents section reviews with rich questions, discussions that help students apply their knowledge, and features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways. The second edition has been updated significantly to reflect the latest research and current, relevant examples.

What You'll Learn From This Book:

• Research methods.
• The relation socialization and development.
• Examining social groups and organizations.
• Understanding social interactions.
• Deviant behaviour and social control.
• Marriage and changing family arrangments.
• Defining social groups and social control.
• Understanding social inequalities.
• Examining social institutions.
  

For thirty-five years and through thirteen editions, Jim Henslin's Down to Earth Sociology has opened new windows onto the social realities that shape our world. Now in its fourteenth edition, the most popular anthology in sociology includes new articles on our changing world while also retaining its classic must-read essays. Focusing on social interaction in everyday life, the forty-six selections bring students face-to-face with the twin projects of contemporary sociology: understanding the individual's experience of society and analyzing social structure.

The fourteenth edition's exceptional new readings include selections on the role of sympathy in everyday life, mistaken perceptions of the American family, the effects of a criminal record on getting a job, and the major social trends affecting our future. 

The tenth edition of Sociology of Mental Disorder presents the major issues and research findings on the influence of race, social class, gender, and age on the incidence and prevalence of the mental disorder. The text also examines the institutions that help those with mental disorders, mental health law, and public policy.

Many important updates are new to this edition:

• More first-person accounts of individuals who suffer from mental illness are included.
• The new DSM-5 is now thoroughly covered along with the controversy surrounding it.
• A new section on social class and its components.
• Updated assessment of the relationship between mental health and gender.
• A revised and in-depth discussion of mental health and race.
• New material on public policy, mental disorder, and the Affordable Health Care Act.
• Updates of research and citations throughout.