Andersen & Taylor is a theoretically balanced, mainstream, comprehensive text characterized by its emphasis on diversity. In every chapter, students explore research and data that illustrate how class, race-ethnicity, gender, age, geographic residence, and sexual orientation relate to the topics covered. This text provides a solid research orientation to the basic principles of sociology while maintaining an accessible style, appealing to the ever-changing student population, and inviting students to view the world through a sociological lens. This highly integrated, research-oriented, contemporary example approach combined with its comprehensive coverage accounts for its wide appeal to professors and students alike.