An Introduction to Sociology
About this ebook
This innovative textbook introduces you to the key theories, themes, and concepts in the discipline of sociology and helps you to develop as a sociologist by providing comprehensive coverage of all the main areas of study. Presenting you with the history, current debates and recent research developments for each topic, this book covers everything from classical sociologies and traditional subjects such as class, families, and religion, through to more progressive areas like digital society, social media, migration, and the interconnectedness of modern global society. The book′s extensive coverage means it can be used throughout your studies, from first year to final year.
Key features:
- Each chapter is written by an internationally renowned expert who uses specialist insight and the latest research to provide a reliable and up-to-date overview.
- Includes a selection of unique learning features such as “Hear from the Expert” boxes and “Key Cases” from around the world, as well as reflective activities and revision questions that will enhance your knowledge.
- Features a section titled “What is sociology useful for?” which includes chapters on the public value of sociology and the role of sociology in contemporary society.
The book is supported by a wide-ranging collection of online teaching and learning resources including exclusive video content from SAGE Video, links to SAGE Journal Articles, sample essay questions, and a selection of multiple-choice questions.
This definitive text is perfect for first-year sociology undergraduates and anyone studying sociology at university or college level.
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About the author
Karim Murji is Professor of Social Policy at the University of West London. His research covers areas such as racism, urban studies migration, and policing; and publications include Racism, Policy and Politics (Policy Press, 2017). plus many papers from an ESRC-funded project on the Open City. With Sarah Neal he was the Editor of Current Sociology, and before that of Sociology. He is a Trustee of the Sociological Review Foundation.
Sarah Neal is Professor of Sociology in the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations at the University of Sheffield. Sarah′s research engages with everyday social life in urban and rural places with a focus on ethnicity, multiculture, race and migration; communities and belonging. She has recently completed research projects investigating leisure practices and urban space; citizenship and religion in primary school worlds and the impact of Brexit in rural geographies. Sarah is widely published with a range of monographs and journal articles. With Karim Murji she was an editor of Current Sociology (2017-2024) and Sociology (2013-2017) and she is a member of the editorial board for Ethnic and Racial Studies.
John Solomos is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Warwick. He has researched and written widely on the history and contemporary forms of race and ethnic relations in Britain, theories of race and racism, the politics of race, equal opportunity policies, multiculturalism and social policy, race and football, and racist movements and ideas. His most recent book is Antiracism: A Critique (Polity Press 2025). He has been Joint-Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Ethnic and Racial Studies since 1995. The journal publishes16 issues a year by Routledge. He is also co-editor of the book series on Racism, Resistance and Social Change for Manchester University Press (with Satnam Virdee and Aaron Winter).
