Every snapshot contains a mix of both social science and journalism; the essays present anecdotal confirmation -- illustrations and examples rather than hard, statistical fact. Some essays are speculative pieces about changes in society or about the future while others seek to throw a new perspective on aspects of society that may have seemed obvious before. The tone and readability of the essays ease students into the world of sociological analysis by relating abstract sociological concepts to the concrete problems confronting ordinary individuals in our society.

Features of this text:

Contemporary. Short, informal essays covering topics such as hate crimes, Americans′ hygiene habits, and job stress get students on the road to thinking sociologically.

Student-friendly. Introductions preceding each section link these informal essays to the central ideas in sociology.

Balanced. An annotated reading list concludes each section, tying the informal essays to the more formal research literature of the discipline.

Thought-provoking. Writing, observation, and data-collecting exercises at the end of each section encourage students to use and develop their sociological eye still further.

New to the Fourth Edition:

Seven new Snapshots have been added on current topics: gender inequality, the Washington ,D.C., snipers, profiling terrorists, immigrant bashing, the stigma of aging, the impact of coalitions on white supremacists, and domestic terrorism.

The new essays have a comparative perspective, emphasizing differences and similarities in societies around the world.

All Snapshots have been modified or updated to reflect current topics and the latest research.

Sociological Snapshots 4 is designed to help students understand and appreciate the sociological perspective. In a simple and entertaining style, this book continues to link everyday experiences to foundational concepts and concerns and analyze data about social reality. This book is recommended as a supplementary text in the introductory sociology and social problems courses, as well as other courses across the sociology curriculum.