Presents a selection of forty-six readings that provide, an introduction to the sociological perspective, look at how sociologists conduct research, examine the cultural underpinnings of social life, and discuss social groups and social structure, gender and sexuality, deviance, and social stratification, institutions, and change.

The twelfth edition's new readings include selections on the unspoken rules of social interaction, the shocking disparities between upper- and lower-class life, America's changing attitudes toward work and family and the roles they fulfill, and the "McDonaldization" of American society. Together with these essential new articles, the selections by Peter Berger, Herbert Gans, Erving Goffman, Donna Eder, Zella Luria, C. Wright Mills, Deborah Tannen, Barrie Thorne, Sidney Katz, Philip Zimbardo, and many others provide firsthand reporting that gives students a sense of "being there." Henslin also explains basic methods of social research, providing insight into how sociologists explore the social world. The selections in Down to Earth Sociology highlight the most significant themes of contemporary sociology, ranging from the sociology of gender, power, politics, sports, and religion, to the contemporary crises of racial tension, crime, rape, poverty, and homelessness.

"Throughout this text, the goal is to share with your students how fascinating and enlightening sociology is. Because sociology is about social life and we live in a changing global society, this 15th edition of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach continues to reflect the national and global changes that engulf us, as well as presents new sociological research. The down-to-earth examples, for which this text is known, will help your students see how sociology applies to them. So will the photos, about 555 of them, of which 228 are new. The photos are neither random nor "fillers." I have either selected or taken each of these photos, as well as written each caption. By tying the photos and their captions directly into the text, they become part of your students' learning experience"--

This brief and economical reader, edited by Jim Henslin, is specifically designed to be used as a companion to "Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach," Eighth Edition. There is one reading per text chapter, including a selection to accompany the online chapter, "The Sociology of Human Sexuality." Readings New To This Edition The Hmong Meet the Melting Pot / Anne Fadiman Diary of a Homeless Man / John R. Coleman Fraternities and Rape Culture / A. Ayres Boswell and Joan Z. Spade The Uses of Poverty: The Poor Pay All / Herbert J. Gans How the Jews Became White Folks / Karen Brodkin College Athletes and Role Conflict / Peter Adler and Patricia A. Adler Border Blues: The Dilemma of Illegal Immigration / Farai Chideya

"This text is intended for a one-semester introductory course."--Page 1.