Thinking Sociologically

ZYGMUNT BAUMAN was a world-renowned sociologist known for his ground-breaking work in social theory. His most recent publications included: Does the Richness of the Few Benefit Us All? (2013); Strangers at our Door (2016); Retrotopia (2017); and A Chronicle of Crisis: 2011–2016 (2017).TIM MAY is Professor of Social Science Methodology at the University of Sheffield, UK. His recent publications include: Reflexivity: The Essential Guide (2017); Cities and the Knowledge Economy: Promise, Politics and Possibilities (2018); and Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process (5th edition, 2019).

"The new edition of this now classic text examines the contemporary issues that inform our values, how we see ourselves and each other and organise our societies. I would recommend it not just to sociologists and social scientists, but to anyone concerned to understand how we might conduct our lives in better ways."-Professor Bev Skeggs, Director, Atlantic Fellows Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science"Zygmunt Bauman was one of the great creative and insightful voices of modern sociology. His introduction to Sociological Thinking remains a wonderful and provocative introduction to seeing the world and personal life through a sociological lens. Tim May has done masterful work updating Bauman and adding insights of his own. There is no student of sociology who will not benefit from this book."-Craig Calhoun, University Professor of Social Sciences, Arizona State University

• Preface to the Second Edition ixPreface to the Third Edition xiAcknowledgments xiiiIntroduction: Crafting Sociological Lenses 1Part I Action and Understanding in Everyday Life 131 Understanding Ourselves with and through Others 152 Sustaining Our Lives 273 Social Bonds: Speaking of “You” and “We” 41Part II Choices, Contexts, and Challenges 554 Values, Power, and Choice 575 Gifts, Exchange, and Intimacy 776 Body, Sexuality, and Health 917 Space, Time, and Social Dynamics 1058 Culture, Nature, and Territory 1239 Consumption, Technology, and Lifestyle 143Part III Retrospect and Prospect 15910 Sociological Lenses: Retrospect and Prospect 161Questions for Reflection and Further Reading 177Index 187