Explore how humans interact in a world of constant change

Although we each live different lives, we’re all dancing to the same social tune. Climate change, political protests, Black Lives Matter—these movements are shaping society today. Why are they happening? How are they changing us? How can we create the world we want? Sociology For Dummies will help you untangle these big questions and train yourself to think like a sociologist. It’s a perfect study-buddy for your intro to sociology class, or you can let it be your professor if you’re sociology-curious. Learn to understand the patterns in the world around you!

Inside…

• Equality and diversity in the 2020s
• Why groups do what they do
• How sociologists do research
• Meet the big names in sociology
• Culture, social mores, and values
• Who’s responsible for change?
• Learn how organizations work
• Better understand your life

Understand how society works—and how to make it better

It’s impossible to exist in the contemporary world without being aware that powerful social forces, ideas, and movements—#MeToo, climate change, and Black Lives Matter to name just a few—are having far-reaching impacts on how we think and live. But why are they happening? And what are their likely effects? The new edition of Sociology For Dummies gives you the tools to step back from your personal experience and study these questions objectively, testing the observable phenomena of the human world against established theories and making usable sense of the results.

In a friendly, jargon-free style, sociologist and broadcaster Jay Gabler introduces you to sociology’s history and basic methods, and—once you have your sociological lens adjusted—makes it clear how to survey the big questions of culture, gender, ethnicity, religion, politics, and crime with new eyes. You’ll find everything you need to succeed in an introductory sociology class, as well as to apply sociological ideas to give you extra insight into your personal and professional life.

• Get a working knowledge of Sociology 101
• Understand how human communities work
• Engage more deeply with debates on social justice, healthcare, and more
• Interpret and use sociological methods and research

Whether you’re studying sociology at school or just want to gain deeper insight into our collective life, Sociology For Dummies gives you the tools to understand the mechanisms of the human world—and the knowledge to influence how they work for the better.