Introduction to Sociology

by Frank van Tubergen

Comprehensive and engaging, this textbook introduces students not only to foundational sociological work, but also to insights from contemporary sociological theory and research. This combined approach ensures that students become familiar with the core of sociology : key concepts, theories, perspectives, methods, and findings. Students will acquire the ability to think like a sociologist , investigate and understand complex social phenomena. This text presents a complete sociological toolkit , guiding students in the art of asking good sociological questions , devising a sophisticated theory and developing methodologies to observe social phenomena. The chapters of this book build cumulatively to equip students with the tools to quickly understand any new sociological topic or contemporary social problem. The textbook also applies the sociological toolkit to selected key sociological issues , showing how specific sociological topics can be easily investigated and understood using this approach. Taking a global and comparative perspective , the book covers a rich diversity of sociological topics and social problems, such as crime, immigration, race and ethnicity, media, education, family, organizations, gender, poverty, modernization and religion. The book presents a range of helpful pedagogical features throughout, such This clear and accessible text is essential reading for students taking introductory courses in sociology. It will also be useful for undergraduate and graduate courses in other social science disciplines, such as psychology, economics, human geography, demography, communication studies, education sciences, political science and criminology.

Genres: Sociology

528 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2020

Reviews

[lucia]

the rating will have to wait until after my exam :))

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not fun at all

[Hayden · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a book exploring the process of researching and exploring specific sociological topics, this was interesting. As an introduction to sociology textbook, I found it missing huge amounts of what should be "core" content in an introductory textbook. For example, there is no chapter on Socialization, formal institutions like government, corporations, education, etc. are barely discussed or not at all, the chapter on Religion only really explores the secularization of western Europe and why America is more religious than expected, elements of culture and society are explored only in limited capacity.

Strengths of the book:
Thorough detailing of how to ask sociological questions, especially testable research questions.
the chapter on Inequality/Mobility
the section exploring Integration and the honor culture of the southern U.S.
The chapter on Religion, especially investigating the relationship between modernization, welfare states, and religiosity.
The deeper exploration of topics/themes could be a good supplement to the core content I am teaching in my class.


Weaknesses:
I don't believe that the content in this book aligns with the full ASA standards for teaching sociology, so I couldn't use it in my class except as a supplement.
There is no real explanation of concepts considered foundation knowledge in basically every other introduction course. Though there is a lot about the foundational work done by Durkheim/Weber/Marx & Engels and the other "pioneers" of sociology, the core frameworks they developed are glossed in one section, then dropped in favor of "sociological themes" (culture, social relations, inequality).
The research design section often gets lost in the weeds of logic formulae/flow charts.
A surprising amount of the statistics and research cited in examples are old (1990s, 80s, 70s, earlier). I was surprised that more current research either hasn't been done or wasn't included, considering the drastic ways that computer/internet technology has changed the global social landscape since the 1990s.
The writer doesn't use the Oxford comma : )

Ultimately, this isn't an introductory textbook. It's something you use after you've had an introductory class and already have a grasp of the elements of society, culture, socialization, formal institutions, and interpretive frameworks, and want to explore how to design testable research questions and explore limited thematic topics in the field with an eye toward doing research of your own.

[Amanda Rydberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Har man läst hela räknas det!

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

had to read for a course, pretty good book actually

[Nina😽😽 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helt okej för att vara en kursbok!

[mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

great introduction to sociology as a discipline! needed it for my intro to sociology class :)

[Aimee Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ Textbook for my course

[Kevin (케빈) MKII · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Collective human behavior" is a complex tapestry woven from countless individual threads, and Frank van Tubergen's insightful book provides an invaluable roadmap for navigating this intricate web. In this captivating exploration of societal systems and their impact on our choices, Van Tubergen peels back the layers of human behavior to reveal the hidden forces that drive us.

One of the standout qualities of this book is its ability to shed light on why we do the things we do, often without even realizing it. Van Tubergen delves deep into the intricacies of our actions, offering readers a profound understanding of how societal systems influence our decisions, including the pursuit of high-status jobs.

What sets this book apart is the author's talent for making complex concepts accessible. Van Tubergen's writing style is not only informative but also remarkably easy to digest. He takes intricate ideas and breaks them down into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can engage with the material.

As a reader, you'll find yourself captivated by the author's ability to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of collective human behavior. The book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate web of societal systems and how they shape our lives.

In conclusion, Frank van Tubergen's book is a masterpiece that offers profound insights into collective human behavior. If you're looking to unravel the mysteries of why we do what we do, particularly in the pursuit of high-status careers, this book is an absolute must-read. Van Tubergen's approachable writing style and profound wisdom make it a gem in the realm of social science literature.