Description
Book SynopsisWidely acclaimed insight on the human condition, updated to view modern issues through a sociological lens Now in its third edition,
Thinking Sociologically continues to offer a stimulating exploration of the underlying assumptions and tacit expectations which structure our view of the world. This best-seller has been translated into 12 languages to bring key sociological concepts to students and general readers around the globe. The authors review recent developments in society and examine the applicability of sociology to everyday life.
The world has changed a great deal since the second edition's publication. Issues of climate change, sustainability, inequality, social justice, inclusion and the role of social media have risen to prominence, and we are collectively challenging our ways of thinking about intimacy, community, consumption, ethics, social identity, and more. This new third edition has been revised to reflect these and other transfor
Trade Review"The new edition of this now classic text examines the contemporary issues that inform our values, how we see ourselves and each other and organise our societies. I would recommend it not just to sociologists and social scientists, but to anyone concerned to understand how we might conduct our lives in better ways."
-Professor Bev Skeggs, Director, Atlantic Fellows Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science
"Zygmunt Bauman was one of the great creative and insightful voices of modern sociology. His introduction to Sociological Thinking remains a wonderful and provocative introduction to seeing the world and personal life through a sociological lens. Tim May has done masterful work updating Bauman and adding insights of his own. There is no student of sociology who will not benefit from this book."
-Craig Calhoun, University Professor of Social Sciences, Arizona State University
Table of ContentsPreface to the Second Edition ix
Preface to the Third Edition xi
Acknowledgments xiii
Introduction: Crafting Sociological Lenses 1
Part I Action and Understanding in Everyday Life 13
1 Understanding Ourselves with and through Others 15
2 Sustaining Our Lives 27
3 Social Bonds: Speaking of “You” and “We” 41
Part II Choices, Contexts, and Challenges 55
4 Values, Power, and Choice 57
5 Gifts, Exchange, and Intimacy 77
6 Body, Sexuality, and Health 91
7 Space, Time, and Social Dynamics 105
8 Culture, Nature, and Territory 123
9 Consumption, Technology, and Lifestyle 143
Part III Retrospect and Prospect 159
10 Sociological Lenses: Retrospect and Prospect 161
Questions for Reflection and Further Reading 177
Index 187
