Skills-based Sociology – serie

Knowledge of theory is essential to study, but it often seems quite abstract and distant from the 'real world'. Research methods, on the other hand, are strategies that allow us to gather evidence from the people around us to help explain social phenomena. This book explores these two key areas and shows new sociologists how they can understand, appreciate and use both theory and method.Written with student needs firmly in mind, this new edition begins by exploring the most important theories and debates that are essential to understanding sociology. It then goes on to examine the concepts, techniques and trends in research methods, and explains how these link back to theory. Whilst continuing to cover traditional ideas, debates and methodologies, the book has also been updated to address recent thinking and research techniques. It explains how sociologists have responded to contemporary developments in sociology, including postmodernists' views on science, and introduces contemporary research techniques, such as cyberethnography. Exploring the basics of quantitative and qualitative methods, and explaining how to choose the right method, the book combines practical and theoretical coverage throughout.Part of the Skills-Based Sociology series, Theory and Method continues to encourage an active approach to learning. Each chapter uses a variety of tasks, activities and practice questions that promote critical thinking and develop interpretation, analysis and evaluation skills. It is an invaluable guide for those learning about theory and research for the first time.

What do sociologists mean when they talk about 'crime' and 'deviance'? Can we use theory to explain why individuals break the law? And how do we measure criminal behaviour in modern society? This book uses key concepts and essential theory to explore these questions and explain their answers.The second edition of this student-focused text continues to offer clear and structured guidance on the sociology of crime and deviance. With basic definitions and clear analysis of theory and statistics, this book gives its reader the tools to build their knowledge and understanding of the topic. In particular, this text:- Explores and critiques essential sociological theory, including functionalist, feminist and postmodernist debates.- Examines how criminal justice data and crime statistics are compiled- Questions the reliability of social patterns of crime in terms of gender, class, age and ethnicity- Looks at new types of crime - from surveillance to terrorism and green crime to state crime As part of the Skills-Based Sociology series, this new edition of Crime and Deviance is packed with a variety of tasks, activities and exam practice questions. These encourage students to take an active role in their learning, whilst promoting critical thinking alongside skill development. This book is the perfect starting point for students keen to understand the sociology of crime and deviance, as well as an excellent source for revision.

Building on the popular 1st edition, this book examines the sociology of education in Britain today. Informed by recent debates and research, it outlines new social policy and explains relevant theory. With updated chapters and contemporary examples, it is packed with skills-based activities to develop students' understanding of the topic.

An understanding of culture and identity is essential for new sociologists. This student-focused text explains the themes and theories behind these core ideas. With up-to-date discussion of 'chavs', masculinity and social networking, skills-based activities and practice exam questions, this is invaluable reading for anyone new to this topic.

Family structures have become increasingly diverse over recent decades. Examining contemporary theory alongside key terms and concepts, this new edition explores issues of intimacy, parenting, cohabitation and media representations. This book provides an in-depth look at the role of the family in society for all students of sociology.

This accessible text explores the staggering rise in inequality in recent years. It includes recent empirical material on all the key dimensions of inequality, including class, gender, ethnicity, age and disability, and considers both classical and new theoretical approaches to the study of these dimensions of social stratification and difference. The exercises and overall active learning approach offer students ample scope to exercise and develop their sociological skills.

This is a lively text that offers comprehensive coverage of this exciting and popular topic. It examines major theoretical debates concerning the media and recent issues such as globalisation and new technology. It offers activities that enable students to practise their interpretation, application and evaluation skills.

Religion, belief and faith influence many areas of all our lives, whether we follow a particular doctrine or not. But are people becoming less religious in the modern age? Is religion a social construction? And what do key sociological theorists say about religion?This book examines the sociology of religion. Looking at belief systems around the world, the text questions and explores changing attitudes to religion, alongside issues such as secularization, fundamentalism and globalization. In particular, this text:- Explores contemporary and classic theory- Describes key practices and beliefs of particular faith groups- Investigates social characteristics associated with religious belief and participation- Discusses various approaches to the organisation of religion, from traditional institutions to sects and cults.Part of the successful Skills-Based Sociology series, Religion and Belief provides readers with the opportunity to build their knowledge whilst putting their understanding into practice. The book's clear structure, helpful exercises and exam guidance make this an invaluable resource for students new to the study of religion in society.

This book explores debates about poverty, wealth and the welfare state from a sociological perspective, explaining the concepts of poverty and welfare, the pattern of their distribution and the causes of continuing poverty. The origin, purpose and future of the welfare state is also discussed, setting British material within a global framework. As with other titles in the series, the text is laced with activities, exercises and sample essay questions.