`The bravest and most successful attempt yet to bring what is happening in academic sociology to the A-level market.' - Tony Breslin, Times Educational Supplement `The scope of the book is impressive. It...does not shy away from addressing important contemporary issues and perspectives...the most up-to-date, lively and comprehensive introductory text I've seen.' - Peter Langley `It is fresh in its approach and stands out from the other A level standard texts in its attempt to provide a theoretical context which is contemporary in feel.' - Tony Lawson, former Chief Examiner, AEB A level Sociology `I am impressed with the range, scale and scope of this volume. As always it contains a range of very good material where data are presented clearly and elegantly and illustrated with material drawn from a range of sociological studies.' - Professor Robert Burgess, University of Warwick Introductory Sociology has already established itself as one of the most popular textbooks in its field. This new edition is completely rewritten and redesigned, to include additional diagrams, charts, information boxes and illustrations, and represents a blend of innovation and continuity - both in terms of form and content. The four defining features of the new edition are a stronger mix of the thematic and the substantive, a more international flavour, a sustained critical edge and liveliness and accessibility. In connection with broad changes in the discipline, there are three of issues which provide the new focus of the book; these are debates about the status of modernity, globalisation and a stronger concern with the construction of identity. The result is a lively, up-to-date and accessible text that encourages the reader to think more deeply about wider sociological themes while developing a sound substantive knowledge base in all key areas.