Social Things: An Introduction to the Sociological Life

By Charles Lemert

Book Overview

In fifteen years, Charles Lemert's Social Things has become a much-loved modern classic among teachers, students, and many other readers for introducing the sociological imagination through lively, memorable stories and interpretations. This fifth edition is fresh: the history of sociology section is updated to incorporate new discussions of the way sociological ideas have spread into numerous other fields to inform the new post-disciplinary social theory; the book now includes original yet practically vivid presentations of globalization, queer theory, critical race theory, and much else; and an entirely new chapter, "Global Things on a Fragile Planet," addresses the environmental crises that challenge our global world. Lemert focuses on man-made disasters like the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill in 2010 and natural tragedies like the 2011 earthquakes and tsunami in Japan in which the fragility of organized human life and the sociological incompetence of many social structures are dramatically illustrated.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1442211628
• ISBN13: 9781442211629
• Release Date: August 2011
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.8" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 18 to 22 years
• Grade Range: Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Delightful Introduction

"Social Things" is a delightful introduction to the field of sociology--an engaging read for anyone interested in the field. It's exceptionally clear and readable, with a brief history highlighted by the contributions of major theorists and schools of thought. But the author's charming and personable voice enlivens the journey and makes it a fascinating and pleasurable excursion. No one need be intimidated!