Introduction to Sociology

Reviewed by Asha Lal Tamang, Adjunct Professor, North Hennepin Community College on 4/11/17

Comprehensiveness rating: 4

The textbook is comprehensive covering all the ‘traditional topics’ typically covered in a general Introduction to Sociology course. I would prefer to see addition of two topics: 1) Role of the United Nations in societal change and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and 2) Terrorism, war and people’s security. Also, the following points could be worthy for adjustments:
- The textbook has done justice emphasizing the three main theoretical perspectives (functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interaction). However, to address the contemporary developments, it may familiarize more contemporary theories e.g. complex adaptive systems theory and feminist theory.
- Regarding sociological research, elaboration of practical vs scientific knowledge may be more helpful. In addition, it is important to include indigenous research methodology.
- Under social control and deviance, a section on positive deviance could be more fruitful.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Included information is accurate that directs readers to references and further research to find further information. The textbook is unbiased in written material and presents topics, including religion and politics, from a neutral position.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The textbook includes relevant examples related to emerging social agenda e.g. same-sex marriage and new immigrants.

Clarity rating: 5

The textbook is easy to read. It avoids unnecessary jargon and explains technical language maintaining the college-level reading.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is consistent throughout the chapters. Emphasis on key words including a glossary after each chapter is helpful.

Modularity rating: 2

The textbook can be made more practical by diving the chapters under 12 to 14 parts while accommodating reviewers’ suggestions that would help instructors and students to match with a semester long course e.g. one of the parts could be ‘diversity, inequality and inclusion.’

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The textbook is well organized in general. As suggested above, it can be made more practical considering a semester long course.

Interface rating: 4

The textbook’s interface is well maintained. The iBook version provides easy navigation and the pdf version is searchable using a find option. And, a new initiation to make the book mobile friendly could be beneficial!

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not find significant grammatical errors during my review. It is important to remember that language and styles are always evolving.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The textbook includes diversity of examples regarding cultural relevance. It needs to highlight the existence of hidden cultures and an importance to address the issue of cultural subjectivity.

I am so happy to find this open textbook and was able to adopt as the required text in my last semester class. However, a few students went to ask the Dean of the college that the printed copies were not available locally. Hence, to make the textbook acceptable and accessible, OpenStax may network with the libraries at colleges.