Introduction to Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World

Reviewed by Jill Harrison, Associate Professor, Rhode Island COllege on 2/1/18

Comprehensiveness rating: 5

This text has an expansive approach to sociology. It covers gender issues, terrorism, race and class inequalities, political organizations, addresses medical sociology, terrorism, the importance of social institutions, and the list goes on. I did not see the index or glossary. The last page of the text said "send supplemental materials."

Content Accuracy rating: 2

I would not use this text for one simple reason, and there are minor issues that follow after that. As a sociologist, I would very much like to see the American Sociological Association Style Guide used for citations and references. It would appear that maybe it is APA style they are using. However, if we are to teach writing and research, it is important that standards are followed in the textbook that the students use! There were multiple errors, using commas when none should be present; putting the ( ) after the period at the end of the sentence, etc. Someone needs to proof read a bit more carefully! I think this sends a message that the writing is less credible because their attention to detail is lacking.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 2

I very much like the content; however, there are way too many photos of Barack Obama and there are not enough photos of prominent women. If I had to hazard a guess, I would say this book was written by men, as it gives off more of a patriarchal vibe than it does a matriarchal vibe, or a neutral one. For example, in chapter 11 the authors present a pie chart (a really horrible way to display data, but OK, these are introductory students) that identifies whether women and men disagree or agree with the statement that women should stay at home. Please display something relevant and worth talking about! In some ways, there are references to this very patriarchal approach scattered across many chapters. This kind of antiquated thinking keeps women oppressed, and I do not care whether they are using it as an historical example or not! I think an introductory textbook in sociology can do better than this!

Clarity rating: 4

I like accessible prose. It is straightforward and engaging. It is devoid of jargon and technical language. I have no issues or concerns about the clarity of the book.

Consistency rating: 4

I think it's consistency is fine, although as I mentioned it seems consistently on the mysogynistic side.

Modularity rating: 3

Yes, this text has chunked up the sections for each chapter nicely. I would recommend renaming the last sections of each chapter, i.e., they are sometimes identified as "end of chapter review" or "using sociology." These two terms are inconsistent. Instead I would title the section "Critical Thinking" or something similar. The titles they have now do not loan themselves easily to wanting to explore the questions, and they are good questions. The sociological imagination requires independent, reflective thinking, and changing the titles of these last boxes may help promote that.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

The flow of the chapters is generally good, although the chapter on FAMILY should come after gender/gender inequality, etc. I also think the family violence section would benefit from a discussion of ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) because we know these are connected, maybe even causal to, fentanyl use and repeat offending.

Chapter 7 needs a section on Victimology, or at least the term should be introduced. It also should briefly introduce integrated theories, as that seems to be where the discipline of criminology is headed, combining medical/psych/soc into one theory. The traditional ones are there, and they are fine, but a short intro into where the discipline is headed with the medical community raises new issues about "objectivity," etc.
CH. 10 should include a short discussion on implicit bias.

Chapter 13 needs a section on work and family.
Chapter 16 would do well to mention the pros and cons of bilingual education.

Interface rating: 4

The photos are good, although as I said, I would appreciate seeing more women in higher status roles. The only photo that was not clear for me was the one that appeared at the beginning of ch. 8 on measuring poverty. It was hard to see, one of a trailer park, I believe.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No issues, although ASA style is preferred.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

As stated previously, more women in positions of power would be nice to see in the text. I don't think opening a book that showcases Barak Obama and John McCain are relevant any longer. As mentioned, there were many photos of Obama, so there is an opportunity to switch a few out. I would also like to see more diversity in the photos, including transgender individuals.

One other comment I forgot to mention is to make issue of social media and teen suicide. Some recent studies suggest that screen time for our teens actually has a depressive effect, and suicide is increasing due to real isolation. I think this fits in nicely with the authors' themes of how we are all social animals and need social support. Social media is having the opposite effect. In particular, for the chapters on politics, we see unfolding undue influence over our elections that is unprecedented in the history of the United States. Fringe ideas are allowed to become mainstream through the use of social media, and this is incredibly problematic. Again, going back to the sociological imagination, I think that it is important to discuss the peril social media platforms have not only for our social support but for our larger community and democratic systems as a whole.