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Contemporary Sociology

Martin Holborn author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Published:24th Apr '15

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Contemporary Sociology cover

Contemporary Sociology is an introductory textbook with angles and arguments.

Responding to the need for a different kind of introductory textbook, it provides more focused, in-depth explorations of the most exciting and contemporary aspects of sociology.

The 21 chapters, written by leading experts in each field, offer a thought-provoking portrait of sociology. Each chapter tackles key issues at the centre of contemporary sociological research in an exceptionally clear, engaging and relevant way, focusing on critical approaches and analyses.

The book includes:

  • A strong focus on making sociological thinking relevant to the contemporary world
  • Illustrative examples and analysis of recent real-world events
  • Coverage of all major sociological topics of continuing or emerging interest, from class, ethnicity and global social change to human rights, the environment, and science and technology
  • Carefully thought-out questions and further readings to probe understanding and encourage critical thinking
  • Additional, regularly updated online resources


Contemporary Sociology is a serious yet accessible text and should be required reading for both new and more advanced undergraduates. It will fire students’ imaginations to explore the latest dynamics driving the study of our social world.

"Chapters are written with clarity, at an undergraduate academic level that would challenge the most able A level student. Each chapter ends with a range of seminar questions that could help a teacher of A level Sociology think of extension questions for their students.The lists of further reading are very useful and up to date. This book can be recommended as one for teachers’ own subject updates (eg: the entries on the identity and disability were easy to find and very useful for my own subject update needed)."
The Sociology Teacher

"Wide in their scope, up to date in orientation, the chapters gathered here are an excellent introduction to sociology. The authors are experts in their respective fields and communicate the engagement and urgency of the sociological imagination in our present times."
John Holmwood, University of Nottingham and President of the British Sociological Association

"Lively and engaging, Contemporary Sociology provides students with in-depth insights into today's pressing sociological concerns. Written by experts in their field, each chapter avoids simple summary and instead raises questions to spark the sociological imagination."
Ellen Annandale, The University of York and member of the Executive Committee of the European Sociological Association

ISBN: 9780745661827

Dimensions: 254mm x 196mm x 33mm

Weight: 1792g

720 pages