Society in Focus

William E. Thompson is professor of sociology at Texas A&M University -Commerce. Joseph V. Hickey is professor emeritus of sociology at Emporia State University. Mica L. Thompson is an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University - Commerce.

Preface About the Authors PART 1 Sociological Perspective Chapter 1 Discovering Sociology Learning Outcomes What Is Sociology? The Sociological Imagination Understanding Life in a Global Society Recognizing Diversity Things Are Not What They Seem: Sociology and Critical Thinking Sociological Focus 1.1 Critical Thinking and Sociology: Common Sense versus Common Nonsense Taking a Closer Look at Media and Technology The Development of Sociology The Changing Social Climate: The Industrial Revolution The Changing Intellectual Climate: The Rise of Science Early European Sociology Sociology Crosses the Atlantic Contemporary Sociology The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective The Structural Functionalist Perspective The Conflict Perspective Feminist Theory Which Perspective Is Best? Thinking Sociologically: Taking an Integrated Approach Looking to the Future Sociological Focus 1.2 Sociology in the Real World: What Sociologists Do Summary Key Terms Outcomes Assessment Chapter 2 Doing Sociology Learning Outcomes Globalization, Diversity, and Types of Knowledge Experience Cultural Tradition Faith Authority Science Sociology and Scientific Knowledge Sociology as a Science The Theory-Building Process The Scientific Method Ethical Issues in Sociological Research Types of Research and Research Designs Types of Research Sociological Focus 2.1 The Sociologist as Voyeur Quantitative Research Designs Qualitative Research Designs Combining Research Methods The Relationship between Theory and Methods The Interactionist Perspective The Functionalist Perspective The Conflict Perspective Feminist Theory Social Research and the Media Infotainment: Information and Entertainment Pseudoscientific Polling versus Survey Research Technology and Research Sociological Focus 2.2 Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics: Reporting Facts or Creating Virtual Truth? Looking to the Future Summary Key Terms Outcomes Assessment PART 2 Social Framework Chapter 3 Society and Culture Learning Outcomes What Is Society? Types of Societies Media, Technology, and Postindustrial Societies Sociological Focus 3.1: Virtual Societies What Is Culture? Material and Nonmaterial Culture The Origin of Culture Components of Culture Symbols Language Beliefs Values Norms Sanctions Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Culture Shock Ethnocentrism Sociological Focus 3.2 The Nacirema Cultural Relativism The Relativist Fallacy Globalization and Cultural Diversity Subcultures Countercultures Multiculturalism From Modern to Postmodern Culture Culture, Class, and the Media Ideal and Real Culture Sociological Approaches to Society and Culture Society, Culture, and Functionalism Society and Culture from the Conflict Perspective Symbolic Interactionism, Society, and Culture A Feminist View of Society and Culture Looking to the Future Summary Key Terms Outcomes Assessment Chapter 4 Socialization Learning Outcomes The Socialization Process Nature and Nurture Sociobiology and the Importance of Heredity and Environment The Effects of Social Isolation Developing a Social Self Major Agents of Socialization: A Global View The Family The School Religion Peers The Workplace Media and Technology Sociological Focus 4.1 Technology and Toddlers: Socialization in the Age of Computers Socialization and the Life Course Socialization in Childhood and Adolescence Adult Socialization Sociological Focus 4.2 Looking for a Few Good (Wo)Men: Resocialization in a Marine Corps Boot Camp Desocialization and Resocialization Understanding Socialization Becoming Human: A Symbolic Interactionist Approach Perpetuating Society and Culture: A Structural Functionalist Viewpoint Maintaining Existing Inequalities: The Conflict Perspective Understanding the Gender Dimension: A Feminist Perspective Looking to the Future Summary Key Terms Outcomes Assessment Chapter 5 Social Interaction in Everyday Life Learning Outcomes Social Structure Statuses Roles Sociological Focus 5.1 Prisoners and Guards i