Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology inspires students to develop their sociological imaginations, to see the world and personal events from a new perspective, and to confront sociological issues on a day-to-day basis. This innovative and engaging text introduces the discipline of sociology to the contemporary student and provides an integrated, comprehensible framework from which to view the world. Table Of Contents PART I UNDERSTANDING OUR SOCIAL WORLD: THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF SOCIETY Chapter 1: Sociology: A Unique Way to View the World What Is Sociology? Why Does Sociology Matter? The Social World Model Chapter 2: Examining the Social World: How Do We Know? The Development of Sociology Sociology’s Major Theoretical Perspectives Ideas Underlying Science How Sociologists Study the Social World PART II SOCIAL STRUCTURE, PROCESSES, AND CONTROL Chapter 3: Society and Culture: Hardware and Software of Our Social World Society: The Hardware Culture: The Software Society, Culture, and Our Social World Theories of Culture The Fit Between Hardware and Software Chapter 4: Socialization Becoming Human and Humane Nature Versus Nurture—or Both Working Together? The Importance of Socialization Socialization and the Social World Development of the Self: Micro-Level Analysis Agents of Socialization: The Micro-Meso Connection Socialization and Macro-Level Issues Policy and Practice Chapter 5: Interaction, Groups, and Organization: Connections That Work Networks and Connections in Our Social World The Process of Interaction: Connections at the Micro Level Groups in Our Social World: The Micro-Meso Connection Organizations and Bureaucracies: The Meso-Macro Connection National and Global Networks: The Macro Level Chapter 6: Deviance and Social Control: Sickos, Weirdos, Freaks, and Folks Like Us What Is Deviance? What Causes Deviant Behavior? Theoretical Perspectives Crime and Individuals: Micro-Level Analysis Crime and Organizations: Meso-Level Analysis National and Global Crime: Macro-Level Analysis Controlling Crime: Social Policy Considerations PART III INEQUALITY Chapter 7: Stratification: Rich and Famous— or Rags and Famine? The Importance of Social Stratification Theoretical Explanations of Stratification Individuals’ Social Status: The Micro Level Social Mobility: The Micro-Meso Connection Major Stratification Systems: Macro-Level Analysis Poverty and Social Policy National and Global Digital Divide: Macro-Level Stratification Chapter 8: Race and Ethnic Group Stratification: Beyond “Us” and “Them” What Characterizes Racial and Ethnic Groups? Prejudice: Micro-Level Analysis Discrimination: Meso-Level Analysis Dominant and Minority Group Contact: Macro-Level Analysis Policies Governing Minority and Dominant Group Relations Chapter 9: Gender Stratification: She/He—Who Goes First? Sex, Gender, and the Stratification System Gender Socialization: Micro- to Meso-Level Analyses Gender Stratification: Meso- and Macro-Level Processes Gender Stratification: Micro- to Macro-Level Theories Costs and Consequences of Gender Stratification Changing Gender Stratification and Social Policy PART IV INSTITUTIONS The Importance of Institutions The Development of Modern Institutions The Interconnections Between Institutions Chapter 10: Family: Partner Taking, People Making, and Contract Breaking What Is a Family? Theoretical Perspectives on Family Family Dynamics: Micro-Level Processes The Family as an Institution: Meso-Level Analysis National and Global Family Issues: Macro-Level Analysis National and Global Family Issues: Macro-Level Analysis Chapter 11: Education: What Are We Learning? State of the World’s Education: An Overview The Ins and Outs of Local Schools: Micro-Level Interactions in Educational Organizations After the School Bell Rings: Meso-Level Analysis of Educational Organizations Education, Society, and the Road to Opportunity: The Macro Level Educational and Social Policy Issues Chapter 12: Religion: The Social Meaning of Sacred Meaning What Does Religion Do for Us? Becoming Part of a Faith Community: Micro-Level Analysis Religion and Modern Life: Meso-Level Analysis Religion in Society: Macro-Level Analysis Religion in the Modern World Social Policy: Same Sex Marriage and Gay/Lesbian Clergy Chapter 13: Politics and Economics: Penetrating Power and Privilege What Is Power? Power and Privilege in the Social World Theoretical Perspectives on Power and Privilege Micro-Level Analysis: Individuals, Power, and Participation Meso-Level Analysis: Distributions of Power and Privilege Within a Nation Macro-Level Analysis: National and Global Systems of Governance and Power Chapter 14: Health Care: An Anatomy of Health And Illness Why Is Health a Social Issue? Theoretical Perspectives on Health and Illness The Status and Roles of the Sick Person: Micro-Level Analysis Modern Health Care Systems: Meso-Level Analysis Health Care Issues at National And Global Levels: Macro-Level Analysis PART V: SOCIAL DYNAMICS Chapter 15: Population and Urbanization: Living on Planet Earth Macro-Level Patterns in World Population Growth Meso-Level Institutional Influences on Population Change Micro-Level Population Patterns Urbanization: Movement From Rural to Urban Areas Cities as Micro-Level Living Environments How Did Cities Evolve? Meso-Level Organizational Structures The Urban Environment and Social Policy: Macro-Level Perspectives Chapter 16: The Process of Change: We Can Make a Difference! The Complexity of Change in Our Social World Social Change: Process and Theories Collective Behavior: Micro- to Meso-Level Behavior and Change Planned Change in Organizations: Meso-Level Change Social Movements: Macro-Level Change Technology, Environment, and Change