Introduction to Sociology offers a comprehensive guide that connects traditional sociological concepts and contemporary social phenomena, such as globalization, consumer culture, the internet, and "McDonaldization," to students′ lives in today′s global society. This accessible text encourages learners to apply a sociological perspective and explore how public sociologists address critical modern issues.
George Ritzer is Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland. He has named at Distinguished-Scholar Teacher at Maryland and received the American Sociological Association’s Distinguished Contribution to Teaching Award. Among his academic awards are an Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Honorary Patron, University Philosophical Society, Trinity College, Dublin; and the 2012-2013 Robin William Lectureship from the Eastern Sociological Society. He has chaired four Sections of the American Sociological Association- Theoretical Sociology, Organizations and Occupations, first Chair of Global and Transnational Sociology, and the History of Sociology. His books have been translated into over twenty languages, with over a dozen translations of The McDonaldization of Society alone.