This introduction to social change covers the momentous and relatively recent changes that have occurred in the human condition, examining not only the major causes and conditions underlying our current situation, but also the main choices and options we face as we strive to shape our individual and collective futures. This edition of Social Change has been thoroughly updated and revised. Building on previous editions, the book introduces a social scientific approach to change, discusses the components of change and the factors driving them, examines change on the macro-level, then looks toward the future with a discussion of planned change. Most chapters explore societies of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and include comparative dimensions, especially along First, Second, and Third World lines. The engaging narrative traces several themes, such as the rise of capitalism and the socialist alternative, or civil rights movements in the United States and elsewhere, throughout the book. Social Change, Third Edition features a new discussion of the recent economic crisis and the interconnectedness of the global economy, new empirical data on globalization, and updated discussions of the concepts of evolution and altruism. It also incorporates the dramatic changes in India and China throughout the book.
About the AuthorJay Weinstein is professor of sociology at Eastern Michigan University. He is the author of numerous books, including Applying Social Statistics, serves as the editor for the journal Applied Sociology, and is a past president of the Society of Applied Sociology.
ReviewsJay Weinstein's book is exceptionally thorough and covers the field of social change very nicely. It is particularly strong because of its comparative approach and includes a lot of useful historical material as well as succinct accounts of the major theoretical approaches to the subject. This new edition is not only an excellent textbook, but is worth reading for its own sake by anyone who wants to know more about how societies develop, change, and adapt. -- Daniel Chirot, University of Washington
Book InformationISBN 9781442203006
Author Jay WeinsteinFormat Paperback
Page Count 458
Imprint Rowman & LittlefieldPublisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 959g
Dimensions(mm) 256mm * 180mm * 27mm