Changing Societies: Essential Sociology for Our Times

Changing Societies offers a fresh, timely approach to sociology. Based upon nested theory, the book explains sociology through processes of global and local change-showing how social change occurs in larger global or national structures and influences events that happen in students' immediate personal and social environments. At the same time, Changing Societies emphasizes that social change is a two-way street-that we can influence the world in addition to being affected by it. Racial, ethnic, and gender differences are themes that are woven into every chapter of the book, showing how they affect stratification and inequality, and the workings of particular social institutions and processes. A concluding chapter not only explains agency and social movements, but involves students in activities that help them to think about and plan social action.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Preface: Changing Societies: A Brief Introduction to Sociology Chapter 2 Introduction: Sociology and Our Changing World Chapter 3 Sociological Theory and Research Methods Chapter 4 Culture Chapter 5 Social Stratification and Social Inequalities Chapter 6 Political and Economic Institutions of the Modern World Chapter 7 Population and the Settlement of Place Chapter 8 The Family Chapter 9 Complex Organizations Chapter 10 Religion in the Modern World Chapter 11 Mass Communications Chapter 12 Socialization and the Life Course Chapter 13 Deviance and Social Control Chapter 14 Collective Behavior, Social Movements and Social Change

About the Author :
Anthony M. Orum is professor of sociology and political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago. John W. C. Johnstone is emeritus professor of sociology and communication at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Stephanie Riger is professor of psychology and women's studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she directs the Women's Studies Program.

Review :
Changing Societies makes one appreciate the relevance of sociology to making sense of the world. This comprehensive book provides a sophisticated yet accessible discussion of the full range of issues addressed by contemporary sociology. Well grounded in theory, the book provides up-to-date research findings on competing and important debates. Changing Societies is a marvelous introduction to sociology. It is extremely readable and uses vivid, research-based examples showing how macro, meso, and micro processes interact to shape lives in modern society. Each chapter, whether about religion or family, the business corporation, or mass communications, is both compelling in its own right and serves as a marker for students to draw a multi-leveled picture of the world. Students will enjoy this textbook and be changed by it. With Changing Societies, Orum et al., have written an outstanding intro text, building on the classics both old and new, as well as a thorough grounding in the latest research, to give students a window on sociology, through a focus on social change. Clearly written, thoughtful, offering views that are once insightful and yet never predictable, Changing Societies ranks high above the competition. I am happy to recommend adoption, and do so enthusiastically, and with confidence that this book can give beginning students the sense of excitement about sociology that we all seek to transmit. Orum, et al. have a creative approach for an introductory text. By using change as their integrating theme, they capture the sociological imagination for the reader. They successfully demonstrate that social actors are simultaneously agents and producers of change. This book is refreshing in its coherence and command of the literature-and the authors have an engaging writing style.