This book is packed with up-to-date examples drawn from newspapers, magazines and academic books. Each chapter begins with a clear summary of all the main points covered. It encourages students to examine preconceived ideas and actively discover the way society shapes their lives and personalities. The book covers the GCSE specifications for all of the major Awarding Bodies and is consistently rated by teachers and students as one of the best sociology textbooks available. It also contains a comprehensive glossary.