Society in Focus: An Introduction to Sociology

Examining the role of mass media and information technology in contemporary society, Society In Focus, Eighth Edition, emphasizes the increasing diversity and globalization of societies everywhere. It is designed to help students think clearly and critically about sociological issues, concepts, and methods. Questioning is at the heart of this approach, and as students read this book they are encouraged to become part of the sociological enterprise--rather than remain passive observers. Every element of the text is designed to challenge students to evaluate social issues and, guided by the sociological imagination, to clearly formulate their own positions. By asking questions that demand sociological and creative thought, students are reminded that their conclusions and decisions, as well as their non-decisions and inaction, may have important social consequences. New to this edition: - New coauthor Mica Thompson, an experienced teacher of introduction to sociology, brings a fresh new perspective as well as a wide array of different life experiences to this edition of Society in Focus. - An expanded critical analysis in Chapter 1 introduces all forms of media and technology, and every chapter examines an aspect of their powerful social influence. - Chapters 9, 16, and 17 have been updated to include the most recent worldwide financial and economic developments, to help explain globalization and cultural diversity. - Expanded application of feminist theory in every chapter to help students recognize the importance of gender diversity and the contributions of that theoretical perspective in sociology. - Updated and brand new boxes throughout encourage students to take a closer look at society and selected social issues.

About the Author :
William E. Thompson received his bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University, a master's degree from Missouri State University, and a PhD from Oklahoma State University. Professor Thompson has authored and coauthored more than 40 articles in professional journals, including several reprinted in sociology textbooks and readers. He has coauthored a textbook on juvenile delinquency that is in its ninth edition, and has coedited an anthology on juvenile delinquency. Thompson also is the author of The Glass House, a nonfiction account of his mother's two year battle with cancer and the lessons about life and living learned from her death and dying, and in 2012 authored Hogs, Blogs, Leathers, and Lattes: The Sociology of Modern American Motorcycling. Joseph V. Hickey received his bachelor's and master's degrees from George Washington University and his PhD in cultural anthropology from the University of New Mexico. A native New Yorker and Midwest transplant, Professor Hickey has won both writing and film awards. He has authored and coauthored two dozen articles and has written and produced numerous videotapes on such diverse subjects as popular culture, racial and ethnic communities, and cross-cultural studies. Joseph Hickey is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Sociology- Anthropology at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, where for more than two decades he taught introductory courses in sociology and cultural anthropology to undergraduates. Mica L. Thompson earned her bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University and her master's degree in sociology from Texas A & M University-Commerce. She has over twelve years of public school teaching experience and teaches introduction to sociology at the university level. Her research interests include qualitative methods, feminist theory, education, and popular culture. In addition to having collaborated on articles published in professional journals, Mica has helped proofread and made significant contributions to previous editions of Society in Focus.