Sociology is the intellectual discipline that seeks to provide answers to those questions by the deployment of argument and evidence. In doing so it will often question basic assumptions that we all make about our social world and therefore has the capacity to upset settled or conventional opinions. This book is an invitation to engage in this endeavour.

• concise, accessible introduction to a key discipline in the social sciences;
  
• written by an experienced author who is widely respected for his broad and deep understanding of the subject and his ability to write in a clear and compelling way;
  
• provides argument and evidence about key sociological questions which will be of help to students approaching the subject for the first time;
  
• this is the third book in the Polity Short Introductions series (following Bob Connell's Gender and Stephanise Lawson's International Relations).

About the Author
Nicholas Abercrombie is Professor of Sociology and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Lancaster.

Reviews
"Both society and sociology have changed tremendously in recent years, and there has been a need for a good short introduction to a fast changing discipline. This book will fill that gap and provide undergraduates with an excellent introduction to the key concepts and concerns of contemporary sociology. It will be ideal for students approaching sociology for the first time: they will enjoy the many examples from contemporary films, TV programmes and books. It makes sociology relevant, exciting and fun, without compromising on intellectual rigour."

-- David Abbott, former Head of Sociology at Hills Road Sixth-Form College

"Of all the many books of this kind this is easily one of the most compelling. It is beautifully written - clear, alluring, and very readable for students."

-- Charles Lemert, Professor of Sociology, Wesleyan University, Connecticut

Book Information
ISBN 9780745625423
Author Nicholas Abercrombie
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 363g
Dimensions(mm) 226mm * 152mm * 18mm