In this Second Brief Edition David M. Newman takes students inside today's pressing sociological issues and shows them how the compelling events on their minds today - such as the current economic recession and the Obama presidency in the US - relate to enduring sociological concepts. Throughout the new edition, Newman introduces students to the fascinating world of sociology, using current real-world examples and personal observations that help them understand how sociology affects them in a personal way.

New to This Edition:

• The most up-to-date information on unemployment, spending patterns, and other economic information

• The interconnections between private life and massive historical occurrences, such as the global economic recession and the election of Barack Obama

• The most current statistical information possible

• Charts and graphs have been updated and revised