and modern readings that were handpicked for timeliness, diversity, and interest. Students across the country find the articles included to be easy to understand and intriguing. UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY: AN INTRODUCTORY READER, Third Edition, includes the most up-to-date selection available today. Out of 70 total articles, 60 percent are new in this edition. New topics include Internet dating, school shootings, gay marriage, immigration, single motherhood, globalization, video games, and religious diversity. As always, the editors have included the top names in the field. Five themes run throughout the text: classical sociological theory, contemporary research, diversity, globalization, and the application of the sociological perspective. In addition, new "Applying Sociological Knowledge" features help you bridge the gap between abstract knowledge and a concrete understanding.