This revised edition of Tischler's INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY continues a tradition of providing a proven and comprehensive textbook to students and professors at a lower, very reasonable price. With its built in study guide, practice tests, and available access to SociologyNow, no other textbook on the market provides students with a complete suite of study aids at an affordable price as INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY. Tischler is known for providing full coverage of sociological concepts in a student-friendly manner, and threading two basic ideas throughout the text- 1) sociology is a rigorous, scientific discipline and 2) a basic knowledge of sociology is essential for understanding social interaction in many work and social settings. Each chapter progresses from a specific to a general analysis of society - each part introducing increasingly comprehensive factors necessary for a broad-based understanding of social organization.
Introduction to Sociology was an extensive overview of the field. A few times I felt that it should have deeper analysis because it was skimming the surface of the issues, but then it is already long for an introductory book. I liked how the book started with historical analysis then defined terms of functionalism and conflict theory. Those themes were continued for much of the book. Also, I liked the critical thought exercises. It challenges the reader to think. Also, some of the provided links were interesting. One thing that I cautious about in social science books is how they handle religion and faith. Like most good sociologists the author was neutral about the context of faith in society. His discussion was balanced. The study guide had a few obvious errors. Hopefully, it was fixed in the newest edition.
This introductory textbook is well-written and easy to understand. My only complaint with it is that it is now into its 11th edition, and several of the seams are showing where different editions have been patched together.