Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents: What is sociology? -- Asking and answering sociological questions -- Theories and perspectives in sociology -- Globalization and the changing world -- The environment -- Cities and urban life -- Social interaction and everyday life -- The life course -- Families and intimate relationships -- Health, illness and disability -- Stratification and social class -- Poverty, social exclusion and welfare -- Global inequality -- Sexuality and gender -- Race, ethnicity and migration -- Religion -- The Media -- Organizations and networks -- Education -- Work and economic life -- Crime and deviance -- Politics, Government and social movements -- Nations, war and terrorism --