The Third Edition preserves the lucidity, liveliness and comprehensive quality which marked the book in its earlier versions. Yet much of the text in this edition is completely new. All the empirical materials have been brought up to date. There are many fresh sections, covering issues ranging from ethnic struggles and changes in class structure through to eating disorders and the expanding impact of information technology. Recent developments in social theory are also incorporated. New chapters include 'The Sociology of the Body', 'Mass Media' and 'Popular Culture', and 'The Sociology of Education'.

The book is strongly comparative, stressing as it does the essential influence of globalizing influences upon social life.

Numerous student learning aids are provided, as well as many figures and diagrams. As a result, Sociology is a state-of-the-art account of the subject.

Written by an author of international reputation, the book combines originality and accessibility in an indispensable textbook for all beginning students in sociology.