This new, fully updated edition will provide sociology students with a rigorous, up-to-date and totally comprehensive introduction to all the main areas in sociology. Clearly yet authoritatively written the book conveys complex ideas in a straightforward manner, whilst also encouraging students to think for themselves about such issues as education, the body, health, crime and popular culture. Building on the success of the previous edition, the book now has new up-to-date case studies and a variety of learning features including chapter summaries, further readings, exercises and useful boxes. Fulcher and Scott provides analysis in much greater depth and with broader coverage than any of the rival textbooks. NEW IN THIS EDITION - Additional chapters on Sex and Gender, Globalisation and Racial and Ethnic Identities - New boxed features on global issues in sociology and frontiers in sociology - Web links to useful sources of information - Additional case studies and excercises WEBSITE This edition will have an Online Resource Centre with multiple choice questions, a range of Power Point slides, an instructor's manual, useful web links and additional case studies with questions.