This best-selling comprehensive book conveys the relevance of sociology by presenting a timely collection of theories, research, and examples-including its signature first-person accounts that open many chapters. Experiences represented in these opening vignettes accurately mirror the richness and complexity of society, while also establishing the themes that are carried throughout the chapters. Author Diana Kendall's vivid and inviting writing style, emphasis on applications, and eye for the most compelling current examples highlight sociology's relevance to all readers. Now in its Tenth Edition, SOCIOLOGY IN OUR TIMES is acclaimed in the field for being the first book to integrate race, class, and gender issues, and for its thorough presentation of sociological theory, including contemporary perspectives such as feminism and postmodernism.
This book started out from the very basics of "what is sociology" and "what are some theories used overall in sociology." Then it went on to examine many different sociological issues, showing where those different theories think differently about those issues. It does this without seeming to favor any one theory over another and seems to just report what they think rather than analyze them. It was useful for framing a basic understanding of social issues in the United States, and often talks about semi-recent events such as the passing of Obamacare and creation of the Tea Party. I don't know whether this book has been updated since 2008 though, and if there is a more recent edition.