Introducing Sociology Using the Stuff of Everyday Life

"From designer jeans to iPhones, cultural understandings and material arrangements come together to shape what we buy and why. With a remarkable gift for storytelling, the authors show us how the things we use reflect the conflict between our private lives and the public issues structuring them. After reading this book, it will be impossible to see a marketing campaign or a PR event in quite the same way. I can’t wait to teach Introducing Sociology Using the Stuff of Everyday Life in my classroom!"

Frederick F. Wherry, The Townsend Martin Class of 1917 Professor of Sociology, Princeton University and Director of Debt Collection Lab

"Remarkably well-written and cleverly organized, Introducing Sociology Using the Stuff of Everyday Life demonstrates the relevance of a wide range of sociological concepts to such routine occurrences as getting a cup of coffee, playing sports, and getting married. The authors’ presentation of ‘thinking frames’ and ‘active learning’ suggestions for each chapter provides students with rich opportunities to test and apply their knowledge and understanding. An excellent introductory text!"

David Karen, Professor of Sociology, Bryn Mawr College

"Johnston, Cairns, and Baumann have produced something that Introductory Sociology instructors have long needed: a text that integrates the many diverse topics covered by sociology into a unifying theme. By focusing on the social processes surrounding consumption and consumerism – the literal ‘stuff’ of our students’ everyday lives – the authors help students explore important sociological subjects such as globalization, inequality, subcultures, gender, identity, and much, much more. This is an exciting, creative contribution to the same-old, same-old landscape of introductory sociology texts, and one certain to get students exercising their sociological imaginations right away."

Daniel Winchester, Associate Professor of Sociology, Purdue University, and co-editor of Social Theory Re-Wired, 3e (2023)

"Introducing Sociology Using the Stuff of Everyday Life succeeds where other nontraditional textbooks have failed. Johnston, Cairns, and Baumann have compiled truly compelling chapters that apply core sociological concepts to the stuff – clothes, food, cars, music, phones, etc. – that surrounds our students today. Their focus on ‘stuff’ allows instructors go beyond concepts covered in traditional sociology textbooks to emphasize contemporary ideas that sociologists actually use when we ‘do sociology’. This is the first nontraditional textbook I’ve seen that really breaks the standard textbook mold and engages students in the practice of thinking sociologically!"

Julie A. Pelton, Chair of Sociology, University of Nebraska Omaha

"Thanks to Introducing Sociology Using the Stuff of Everyday Life, your students in Introductory Sociology will never be able to look at their ‘stuff’ in the same way. This text will leave them thinking about sociology when they pick up their phone, eat a burger, pull on their jeans, and ‘conspicuously consume’ their lattes. Johnston, Cairns, and Baumann offer a unique approach to the introductory course that covers essential sociological concepts in an engaging and meaningful way."

Suzanne Hudd, Professor of Sociology, Quinnipiac university

"One of the reasons I love this textbook, and students do too: it’s really applicable and up to date with their everyday lives. By using the objects of everyday life the book makes sociological topics accessible and easy to understand, and shows the applicability of methods and theory throughout – it shows students not only how to think but also how to practice sociology. I will definitely continue to use this book as long as I teach Introduction to Sociology."

Meredith Katz, Associate Professor of Sociology, Virginia Commonwealth University

"This text is far superior to any standard intro sociology book because it strongly encourages students to see their lives and the world through a sociological perspective. The authors provide an innovative and engaging way of introducing material to first year students in sociology – and students really love this text."

Harry J. Mersmann, Professor of Sociology, San Joaquin Delta College