Highly respected for its quality scholarship and its focused, straightforward approach to Sociology, the seventh edition of Sociology: The Core returns to the core concept with a tighter, briefer, more accessible presentation and a very accessible price. Michael Hughes, of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Carolyn Kroehler, a professional writer, have revised the work of James Vander Zanden, who is now Emeritus Professor of the Ohlo State University.

As in the previous editions, the functionalist, conflict and interactionist perspectives are applied throughout the book, allowing students to develop a solid understanding of the major sociological perspectives and their applications to the topics covered.

Sociology: The Core seeks to make sociology come alive as a vital and exciting field, to relate principles to real-world circumstances, and to attune students to the dynamic processes of our rapidly changing contemporary society.

The authors have kept this book completely up to date, including data from the most recent Census Bureau surveys, Bureau of Justice Statistics, General Social Survey and other sources. New student examples capitalize on students' desire to read about issues of interest to them.

Chapter 1: Developing a Sociological Consciousness

Chapter 2: Culture and Social Structure

Chapter 3: Socialization

Chapter 4: Social Groups and Formal Organizations

Chapter 5: Deviance and Crime

Chapter 6: Social Stratification

Chapter 7: Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity

Chapter 8: Gender Inequality

Chapter 9: Political and Economic Power

Chapter 10: The Family

Chapter 11: Religion, Education, and Medicine

Chapter 12: Population and Environment

Chapter 13: Social Change