This carefully edited companion anthology focuses on everyday experiences, important sociological issues, and hallmark historical events. Providing provocative, eye-opening examples that illuminate the relationship between the individual and society, this Ninth Edition includes a mix of short articles, chapters, and excerpts. In addition to new readings and more coverage of global issues and world religions, the Ninth Edition focuses on sociological theory, methodologies and history to help students learn how to analyze what they read, as well as understand how research is done and how today's theories have developed over time. - includes new readings that show how race, social class, gender, and sexual orientation intersect to influence everyday experiences - presents updated and expanded coverage of global issues and world religions - explores topical issues such as environment, climate change, macro-structure, and post-9/11 conditions - provides an expansive discussion on sociological theory and methodologies.