Sociology in Action, Third Edition is an introductory text that encourages doing sociology through real-world activities that emphasize hands-on work, application, and learning by example. Each chapter is written by a specialist in that subject who also shares a passion for active learning. Edited by Kathleen Odell Korgen and Maxine P. Atkinson, this text explains sociology′s key concepts and theories, and pairs that foundational coverage with a series of carefully developed, assignable learning activities that prompt students to think and reflect, observe, analyze, investigate, and apply what they are learning.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1. Training Your Sociological Eye - Kathleen Odell Korgen What Is Sociology? Changing How You View the World Sociology as a Social Science Differentiating between Good Generalizations and Stereotypes The Obligations of Sociology The Benefits of Sociology Chapter 2. Understanding Theory - Kathleen S. Lowney Understanding the Structural Functionalist Perspective Understanding the Conflict Theoretical Perspective Understanding the Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Full Theoretical Circle Chapter 3. Using Research Methods - Mikaila Mariel Lemonik Arthur and Amanda M. Jungels What Is Research? What Are Data and Where Do We Get Them? What Do We Do with Data? Getting Started Doing Research Sampling and Measurement How Can You Recognize Good (and Bad) Research? Chapter 4. Recognizing Culture - David E. Rohall Defining Culture Identifying Elements of Culture Considering Cultural Variations The Power of Culture Chapter 5. Understanding Socialization and Interaction - Amy Sodaro What Is Socialization? Understanding Theories of Socialization Agents of Socialization Gender Socialization Status, Social Roles, and Identity Groups, Organizations, and Bureaucracies Social Interaction Chapter 6. Identifying Deviant - Rena C. Zito Defining Deviance Origins of the Sociology of Deviance Creating Deviance Managing Deviant Identities Chapter 7. Confronting Economic Inequality - Sandra Enos What Is Economic Inequality? Meritocracy and the Functions of Inequality Understanding Social Stratification Examining the Class System Mobility within and across Generations Consequences of Inequality Addressing Inequality Chapter 8. Constructing Gender, Sex, and Sexuality - Maxine P. Atkinson Defining Sex, Gender, Intersex, and Transgender Using Theory to Understand Gender Creating Gender and Sexual Identities, Recognizing Sexualities Gender, Sexuality, and Work Gender and Intimate Relationships Chapter 9. Recognizing the Importance of Race - Kathleen Odell Korgen Defining Race and Ethnicity The Repercussions of Race Discrimination by the U.S. Government Racial and Ethnic Inequality Today Racism and Ethnocentrism Globally Responding (or Not) to Racism and Ethnocentrism Today Chapter 10. Understanding Institutions: Politics and the Economy - Richard A. Zdan The State, Power, and Legitimacy Origins of the State Forms of Legitimate Domination Types of Government Theoretical Approaches to Politics Politics and the Economy Modern Economic Systems Beyond Politics and Economy: Communism and Fascism Chapter 11. Understanding Institutions: Family - Carissa Froyum What Shapes Families? Changing Families across History Understanding Families through Theory Families Caring for Each Other Family Problems How Work and Policy Shape Families Chapter 12. Understanding Institutions: Education - Melissa S. Fry What Is Education as an Institution? Education and Modes of Production Theorizing Education Education and Social Inequality in the United States Global Education and Inequality Leveling the Playing Field: Public Policy and Education in the United States Chapter 13. Experiencing Health, Illness, and Medical Care - Amy Irby-Shasanmi What Does Sociology Have to Do with Health, Illness, and Medical Care? The Illness Experience Medicalization Explaining Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health Gender, Race, Ethnicity and Health The U.S. Health Care System Chapter 14. Understanding Institutions: Religion - Andrea N. Hunt Defining Religion Sociologically Religious Pluralism and Secularization Religious Fundamentalism Changing Religious Life in the United States Global Diffusion of Religion Applying Sociological Theory to Religion Religion and Social Issues, Social Change, and Everyday Life Chapter 15. Saving the Environment - John Chung-En Liu Facing Our Environmental Challenges How Do Sociologists Study Environmental Issues? How Did We Mess Up? Theories of Environmental Change Consumption and the Environment Who Suffers Most from Environmental Problems? Social Solutions to Environmental Problems Chapter 16. Changing Society through Social Movements - Wendy M. Christensen What Is a Social Movement? Participating in Social Movements Types of Social Movements Social Movement Theory The Six Steps of Social Movement Success Success and Backlash: The Marriage Equality Movement How Can We Create Social Change? Glossary References Index