Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials

The theme of social and global change is stronger than ever throughout the text and in You Can Make a Difference boxes, which help students learn how to become involved in their communities -- and the world. Topics include networking to reduce global poverty and hunger, global perspectives on gangs and more. Sociology and Social Policy boxes continue to deal with social and global change, exploring such issues as technology and social change in the workplace, study abroad and global socialization.

MindTap® for Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials enables student to maximize their study time -- and course success. New “Where Do You Stand” activities help students examine internal biases and gauge prior knowledge. “Understand” comprehension checks provide insight into student understanding of chapter content. And multimedia “Explore” activities provide practice with the sociological imagination in the context of real-world scenarios.

From the first edition, SOCIOLOGY IN OUR TIMES has presented strong coverage of and attention to diversity. Individuals portrayed and discussed accurately mirror the diversity in society, and research from classical and established contemporary sociologists -- including women and people of color -- ensures an inclusive treatment of all people in the examination of sociology. As a result, the text speaks to a wide variety of students and helps them consider the significance of the interlocking nature of individuals' class, race and gender (and, increasingly, age) in all aspects of social life.

The text emphasizes several themes, including diversity, the application of sociology to everyday life, the impact of media (including social media), the importance of a global perspective, and social and global change. Boxed features (Sociology and Everyday Life, Sociology and Social Policy, and Sociology in Global Perspective) highlight the themes. Global implications of all topics are examined throughout each chapter; the Sociology in Global Perspective boxes specifically highlight our interconnected world and reveal how the sociological imagination extends beyond national borders.

In addition to basic reading and study tools such as key terms, a running glossary and popular online study resources, the 12th edition offers numerous other pedagogical aids to promote students' mastery of course content. Chapter-opening Learning Objectives help students focus their reading. Concept Quick Reviews and Questions for Critical Thinking help them test their knowledge and sharpen their problem-solving skills. Chapter Review summaries in question-and-answer format drive home key concepts.

Empowering students to establish their own opinions based on facts, the text offers expanded discussions on such headline-grabbing topics as internet crime, environmental activism, immigration, mass media and gender socialization and the contemporary family, among others.

Extensive Inclusivity & Diversity review and update to update biased language and provide better coverage to marginalized identities and persons

Practical and relevant, Kendall's SOCIOLOGY IN OUR TIMES: THE ESSENTIALS, 12th edition, has been thoroughly revised with an emphasis on updating data and bringing the topical coverage within each chapter up to the highest currency and inclusivity standards.