Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach

A Down-to-Earth Approach James Henslin shares the excitement of sociology. With his acclaimed "down-to-earth" approach and personal writing style, the author highlights the sociology of everyday life and its relevance to students' lives. With wit, personal reflection, and illuminating examples, Henslin shares with readers his passion for sociology. In addition to this trademark down-to-earth approach, other distinctive features include: comparative perspectives, the globalization of capitalism, and visual presentations of sociology. Teaching & Learning Experience Personalize Learning The new MySocLab delivers proven results in helping students succeed, provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals. Improve Critical Thinking- New Learning Objectives & Questions on each page reinforce key concepts and build critical thinking skills. Engage Students- New design and personal narrative from the perspective of an international field researcher invites students on a sociological journey. Explore Theory- Offers a balanced approach; relevant theories are discussed in each chapter. Understand Diversity- Global, national, and personal material combine to present a complete view of the world. Support Instructors- New Integrated Test Bank & written activities and assessment in MySocLab engage students and help them succeed.

James M. Henslin was born in Minnesota, graduated from high school and junior college in California and from college in Indiana. Awarded scholarships, he earned his Master’s and doctorate degrees in sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After this, he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health, and spent a year studying how people adjust to the suicide of a family member. His primary interests in sociology are the sociology of everyday life, deviance, and international relations. He has published widely in sociology journals, including Social Problems and American Journal of Sociology. While a graduate student, Jim Henslin taught at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, where he is Professor Emeritus of Sociology. He says, “I’ve always found the introductory course enjoyable to teach. I love to see students’ faces light up when they first glimpse the sociological perspective and begin to see how society has become an essential part of how they view the world.” Henslin enjoys reading and fishing. His two favorite activities are writing and traveling. He especially enjoys visiting and living in other cultures, for this brings him face to face with behaviors and ways of thinking that he cannot take for granted, experiences that “make sociological principles come alive.”

Chapter 1 The Sociological Perspective    

Chapter 2 Culture

Chapter 3 Socialization     

Chapter 4 Social Structure and Social Interaction   

Chapter 5 Social Groups and Formal Organizations                       

Chapter 6 Deviance and Social Control    

Chapter 7 Global Stratification     

Chapter 8 Social Class in the United States                      

Chapter 9 Race and Ethnicity       

Chapter 10 Gender and Age

Chapter 11 Politics and the Economy         

Chapter 12 Marriage and Family    

Chapter 13 Education and Religion 

Chapter 14 Population and Urbanization     

Chapter 15 Social Change and the Environment      

Epilogue: Why Major in Sociology?