Down to Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings

Front Cover
Simon and Schuster, 2005 - Psychology - 590 pages
For more than thirty years and through twelve editions, James Henslin's "Down to Earth Sociology" has opened new windows onto the social realities that shape our world. Now in its thirteenth edition, the most popular anthology in all of sociology includes new articles on our changing world while also retaining its classic must-read essays. Focusing on social interaction in everyday life, the forty-seven selections bring students face-to-face with the twin projects of contemporary sociology: understanding the individual's experience of society and analyzing social structure.

The thirteenth edition's exceptional new readings include selections on the similarities between women's dieting culture and religion, the lives of homeless women, the ways in which hit men neutralize their deviance, the racist mind of the neo-Nazis and Klansmen, the life situation of people who move up the social class ladder, the ways in which American culture dictates how women give birth, and the lives of young women who work in Thai factories. Together with these essential new articles, the selections by Peter Berger, Herbert Gans, Erving Goffman, Donna Eder, Sidney Katz, Zella Luria,

C. Wright Mills, Deborah Tannen, Barrie Thorne, Philip Zimbardo, and many others provide firsthand reports that give students a sense of "being there." Henslin also explains basic methods of social research, providing insight into how sociologists explore the social world. The selections in "Down to Earth Sociology" highlight the significant themes of contemporary sociology, ranging from the sociology of gender, power, politics, sports, and religion to the contemporary crises of racial tension, crime, rape, poverty, homelessness, and the globalization of capitalism.

 

Contents

Invitation to Sociology Peter L Berger
1
Social Sciences James M Henslin
8
The sociological imagination
20
DOING SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
30
Convicted Rapists Describe
48
Doing Research with Streetcorner
63
III
73
The Sounds of Silence Edward T Hall
99
The Pathology of Imprisonment Philip G Zimbardo
297
What is normal?
304
SOCIAL INEQUALITY
317
Fraternities and Rape on Campus Patricia Yancey Martin
331
Showing My Color Clarence Page
342
The Racist Mind Raphael Ezekiel
351
Poverty and powerlessness
357
Wealth and power
377

The Rules for Giving Christmas Gifts Theodore Caplow
108
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life Erving Goffman
117
SOCIALIZATION AND GENDER
129
Reflections of a Sociologist
143
Lessons Learned in School
155
Sexuality and Gender in Childrens Daily Worlds
162
But What Do You Mean? Women and Men
174
SOCIAL GROUPS AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE
181
Religion and Morality in Weight Loss Groups
199
The Sociology of
211
The Lives of Homeless Women Elliot Liebow
239
DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL
247
The Survivors
259
Becoming a Hit Man Ken Levi
269
The Saints and the Roughnecks William J Chambliss
281
SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS
389
When Work Becomes Home and Home Becomes Work
407
Giving Birth the American Way Robbie E DavisFloyd
418
Kindergarten as Academic Boot Camp Harry L Gracey
432
Upward Mobility Through Sport D Stanley Eitzen
447
The Romance Between the Egg and the Sperm
453
Indias Sacred Cow Marvin Harris
463
Police Accounts of Normal Force Jennifer Hunt
472
Anybodys Son Will Do Gwynne Dyer
483
SOCIAL CHANGE
495
Resisting social change
510
Women in the Military Laura L Miller
520
Glossary
551
Correlation Chart
571
Subject Index
585

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About the author (2005)

James M. Henslin is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. He is the author of many textbooks, including Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 6th ed.; Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 4th ed.; and Social Problems, 6th ed.

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