Richard T. Schaefer's Sociology Matters is a concise introduction to the discipline of sociology. Its straightforward style, streamlined design, and highly focused coverage make it the perfect affordable, ultra brief, introductory text for instructors who use a variety of materials in their course.

"I find myself constantly learning from the students who are in my classes and from reading what they write. Their insights into the material we read or current events that we discuss often become part of future course material and sometimes even find their way into my writing." Dr. Schaefer is author of the third edition of Sociology

’’His articles and book reviews have appeared in many journals, including American Journal of Sociology, Phylon: A Review of Race and Culture, Contemporary Sociology, Sociology and Social Research, Sociological Quarterly, and Teaching Sociology. He served as president of the Midwest Sociological Society in 1994-1995.’’ Dr. Schaefer’s advice to students is to

"look at the material and make connections to your own life and experiences. Sociology will make you a more attentive observer of how people in groups interact and function. It will also make you more aware of peoples’ different needs and interests and perhaps more ready to work for the common good, while still recognizing the individuality of each person."