This impressive, forward thinking research based survey focuses on five key concepts to explain sociological principles: function, structure, action, culture, and power. These concepts enable the text to present structural sociology and culture more fully than in any other book. The seventh edition continues to combine a balanced presentation with lively, student- oriented examples. This edition has been significantly revised, it features increased coverage of the founders of sociology, a greater emphasis on the structure of social interaction, and it introduces exciting and new "Sociology and Public Debates" and "Research Methods" boxes that students will find both evocative and engaging.