<P>Comprehensive and engaging, this textbook introduces students not only to foundational sociological work, but also to insights from contemporary sociological theory and research. This combined approach ensures that students become familiar with the <B>core of sociology</B>: key concepts, theories, perspectives, methods, and findings. Students will acquire the ability to <B>think like a sociologist</B>, <B>investigate</B> and <B>understand</B> complex social phenomena.</P><P></P><P>This text presents a <B>complete sociological toolkit</B>, guiding students in the art of asking good sociological <B>questions</B>, devising a sophisticated <B>theory</B> and developing methodologies to <B>observe</B> social phenomena. The chapters of this book build cumulatively to equip students with the tools to quickly understand <B>any</B> new sociological topic or contemporary social problem.</P><P></P><P>The textbook also <B>applies</B> the sociological toolkit to <B>selected key sociological issue