The sociologically examined life : pieces of the conversation

In this lively introductory text, analyses of everyday conversations and experiences are used to inspire students to think sociologically about society and about themselves as social actors. New features for this edition include dialogue boxes where the author responds to students questions in response to previous editions, as well as updated 'related readings' sections directing students to the latest research. Readers are shown how to pay attention to the social world in a sociological way, and how to see the connections between their lives, the lives of others, and the patterns of behaviour that make up society. By interweaving examples looking at race, class, and gender, the book illustrates how power and privilege affect people's experiences and life chances, and how sociological thinking is crucial for effectively pursuing social change. At the end of each chapter, a situation or conundrum is presented with three questions for classroom discussion and writing assignments. Preface 1. Making Sense of the World Differently 2. Inventing the Social World 3. Seeing Connections 4. Relationships, Groups, and Interdependence 5. Becoming Human 6. Behavior as a Product of Interaction 7. Seeing Patterns 8. Contingency and Cause 9. Images, Representations, and Accounts 10. Understanding Power in Social Life 11. Differences and Inequalities 12. Studying and Changing the Social World Index "The Sociologically Examined Life is a lively and concise text that uses analyses of everyday life to inspire students to think sociologically about society and about themselves as social actors."--BOOK JACKET