ABSTRACT

Now in its seventeenth edition, Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society approaches its study from a common-sense perspective, rather than a formalistic perspective more common in social science. Readers will see how seemingly diverse disciplines intermingle and connect to one another – anthropology and economics, for example. The goal of the book is to teach students critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will allow them to approach social issues in an objective and informed way.

New to this edition are significant updates on:

  • The election of Donald Trump and the emergence of related populist movements
  • Trade policy and health care
  • Issues involving migration and immigration
  • Emerging developments in artificial intelligence
  • Comparisons between cultural and biological evolution
  • Examples, data, recommended readings, and internet questions

part I|66 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|22 pages

Social Science and Its Methods

chapter 2|20 pages

Human Origins

chapter 3|21 pages

Origins of Western Society

part II|97 pages

Culture and the Individual

chapter 4|21 pages

Society, Culture, and Cultural Change

chapter 6|18 pages

Technology and Society

chapter 7|135 pages

Psychology, Society, and Culture

chapter 8|22 pages

Deviance, Crime, and Society

part III|1 pages

Institutions and Society

chapter 9|24 pages

The Family

chapter 10|18 pages

Religion

chapter 11|20 pages

Education

chapter 12|17 pages

Social and Economic Stratification

part IV|1 pages

Politics and Society

chapter 14|20 pages

The Functions and Forms of Government

chapter 15|19 pages

Governments of the World

chapter 16|24 pages

Democratic Government in the United States

part V|1 pages

Economics and Society

part VI|1 pages

Global Issues

chapter 19|23 pages

International Political Relations

chapter 20|16 pages

International Economic Relations