Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, contemporary sociology is a theoretically diverse enterprise, covering a huge range of subjects and drawing on a broad array of research methods. Central to this endeavour is the use of core concepts and ideas which allow sociologists to make sense of societies, though our understanding of these concepts necessarily evolves and changes.
This clear and jargon-free book introduces a careful selection of essential concepts that have helped to shape sociology and continue to do so. Going beyond brief, dictionary-style definitions, Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton provide an extended discussion of each concept which sets it in historical and theoretical context, explores its main meanings in use, introduces relevant criticisms, and points readers to its ongoing development in contemporary research and theorizing.
Organized in ten thematic sections, the book offers a portrait of sociology through its essential concepts, ranging from capitalism, identity and deviance to the digital revolution, environment, postcolonialism and intersectionality. It will be essential reading for all those new to sociology as well as anyone seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world.
Introduction
THEME 1: THINKING SOCIOLOGICALLY
Digital Revolution
Globalization
Modernity
Postcolonialism
Postmodernity
Rationalization
THEME 2: DOING SOCIOLOGY
Ideal Type
Qualitative / Quantitative Methods
Realism
Reflexivity
Science
Social Constructionism
Structure / Agency
THEME 3: ENVIRONMENT AND URBANISM
Alienation
Environment
Industrialization
Migration
Risk
Sustainable Development
Urbanism
THEME 4: STRUCTURES OF SOCIETY
Bureaucracy
Capitalism
Consumerism
Division of Labour
Education
Organization
Religion
THEME 5: UNEQUAL LIFE CHANCES
Class
Gender
Intersectionality
Patriarchy
Poverty
'Race' and Ethnicity
Social Mobility
Status
THEME 6: RELATIONSHIPS AND THE LIFE COURSE
Community
Family
Life Course
Network
Sexuality
Socialization
THEME 7: INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION
Culture
Discourse
Identity
Ideology
Interaction
Media
Public Sphere
THEME 8: HEALTH, ILLNESS AND THE BODY
Biomedicine
Medicalization
Sick Role
Social Model of Disability
Social Self
THEME 9: CRIME AND SOCIAL CONTROL
Anomie
Deviance
Labelling
Moral Panic
Social Control
Stigma
THEME 10: POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY
Authority
Citizenship
Civil Society
Conflict
Democracy
Nation State
Power
Social Movement
