Fully addressing today's most relevant issues without losing track of the classical theoretical work which defines the core of the discipline, this exceptionally comprehensive and well-written introduction to the dynamic field of sociology helps students understand its significance to their everyday lives. Emphasizing diversity issues—particularly gender—and globalization, the text makes real-world connections throughout—concluding each chapter with a Life Connections section (covering aspects of everyday life which will be meaningful to students), and with a Society Connections section (highlighting relevant policy issues related to the topic of that specific chapter), and broadens the learning experience with enriching supplemental media support.