This text for an introductory course introduces three approaches of sociology: functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist. These approaches are then applied to various issues. Material on race, class, and gender is integrated throughout the text's five sections on the history and methods of sociology, society and human interaction, social structure and inequality, social institutions, and social change. The text offers boxes on topics of interest to students, such as American social classes, teen pregnancy, and globalism versus tribalism. Other learning features are chapter summaries, key terms, and exercises. A companion web site contains three extra full chapters on education, religion, and health and aging. The text's two-column format includes b&w photos. This sixth edition contains a new chapter on Obama election, new emphasis on economic sociology in the aftermath of the global recession, and expanded discussion of subjects such as immigration, the changing status of marijuana, and sexual preferences. Farley is affiliated with Southern Illinois University. Flota teaches at Daytona State College. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)