This mainstream book is characterized by its superior scholarship, accessible writing style, unmatched coverage of diversity, and unparalleled, integrated technology resources. Treating diversity as central to the rich fabric of our society, the authors include research and data that illustrate how class, race-ethnicity, gender, age, geographic residence, and sexual orientation relate to the topics covered. Speaking to students in a friendly and inviting way, the authors encourage them to think globally, question commonly held beliefs, assess different perspectives used by sociologists, and to use this process to understand the forces that generate change and continuity in our society.