Down to Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings

For over twenty years, and through nine editions, James Henslin's Down to Earth Sociology has opened new windows onto the complex social realities that shape our world. Now in its Tenth Anniversary Edition, the most popular anthology in all of sociology has been revised to include exciting new articles, as well as classic, must-read essays. Focusing on social interaction in everyday life, the forty-seven selections bring students face-to-face with the twin projects of contemporary sociology: understanding the individual's experience of society and analyzing social structure.

The Tenth Edition's exceptional new readings include selections on the subtleties of racism, the surprising impact of values, women in the military, how the cultures in Japan and the United States shape response to crime, the world of the hospital, the "anguish" of upward mobility, and collective behavior following a hurricane. These and other new readings, along with major contributions from C. Wright Mills, Peter Berger, Arlie Hochschild, Jonathan Kozol, Deborah Tannen, George Ritzer, Erving Goffman, Barrie Thorne and Zella Luria, Philip Zimbardo, Hebert Gans, and many others, through their expert first-hand reporting give the student a sense of "being there." Basic methodologies are explained, providing insight into how sociologists conduct and interpret their research. Henslin's selections highlight the most significant themes of contemporary sociology, ranging from the sociology of gender, race power, politics, sports, and religion, to the contemporary crises of violent crime, rape, poverty, and homelessness. Down to Earth Sociology includes a unique Correlation Chart that ties every article to relatedchapters in both the most and less widely used introductory textbooks.