Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials

Diana Kendall is a professor of sociology at Baylor University, where she has been recognized as an Outstanding Professor. She has taught a variety of courses, including Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Theory (undergraduate and graduate), Sociology of Medicine, Sociology of Law and Race, Class and Gender. Previously, she enjoyed many years of teaching sociology and serving as chair of the Social and Behavioral Science Division at Austin Community College. Dr. Kendall's areas of specialization and primary research interests are sociological theory and the sociology of medicine. In addition to "Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials," she is the author of "The Power of Good Deeds: Privileged Women and the Social Reproduction of the Upper Class" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2002), "Members Only: Elite Clubs and the Process of Exclusion" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2008) and "Framing Class: Media Representations of Wealth and Poverty in America," 2nd Edition (Rowman & Littlefield, 2012). Her most recent scholarly publication is "Class: Still Alive and Reproducing in the United States," a book chapter in "Privilege: A Reader," 4th Edition (2016, Westview Press). Dr. Kendall is actively involved in national and regional sociological associations, including the American Sociological Association, the Society for the Study of Social Problems and the Southwestern Sociological Association. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, where she was invited to membership in Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

• Part I: STUDYING SOCIETY AND SOCIAL LIFE.1. The Sociological Perspective and Research Process.2. Culture.3. Socialization.Part II: SOCIAL GROUPS AND SOCIAL CONTROL.4. Social Structure and Interaction in Everyday Life.5. Groups and Organizations.6. Deviance and Crime.Part III: SOCIAL INEQUALITY.7. Class and Stratification in the United States.8. Global Stratification.9. Race and Ethnicity.10. Sex, Gender, and Sexuality.Part IV: SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS.11. Families and Intimate Relationships.12. Education and Religion.13. Politics and the Economy in Global Perspective.14. Health, Health Care, and Disability.Part V: SOCIAL DYNAMICS AND SOCIAL CHANGE.15. Population and Urbanization.16. Collective Behavior, Social Movements, and Social Change.