by
Adam McKee and Scott Bransford
Welcome to the fascinating world of sociology, a discipline that offers a unique lens to understand, interpret, and analyze human behavior within broader social frameworks. As we begin this intellectual journey, it’s important to consider what makes for effective textbook learning and why sociology is a subject worth exploring.
A well-designed textbook provides a clear, comprehensive, and accessible path for learning. We have worked to ensure this book meets those standards. It fosters a learning environment that encourages active engagement, supporting both understanding and curiosity. Each chapter is structured as an independent module while also contributing to a broader, interconnected body of knowledge. Core concepts, practical examples, analytical questions, and hands-on activities are integrated into each chapter to support your learning experience. This approach empowers you to engage with the material at your own pace, encouraging thoughtful and independent study.
Why study sociology? Sociology helps us uncover the underlying patterns that influence how societies function. It provides tools to better understand how cultural norms, institutions, and technological developments shape our daily lives. Whether examining roles within communities or shifts in societal expectations, sociology offers valuable insights into human interaction and social organization. Through this study, we learn not just about society, but how to think critically and constructively about the world we live in.
The journey ahead offers both challenges and discoveries, with many chances to broaden your perspective and deepen your understanding. Let’s begin this exploration into the meaningful and dynamic field of sociology.
The Table of Contents
The textbook is divided into eight chapters. Each chapter covers a different topic in sociology. The chapters are as follows:
[Course Learning Resources]Section 1: Introduction to Sociology
- Section 1.1: What is Sociology? [Learning Resources]
- Section 1.2: History of Sociology [Learning Resources]
- Section 1.3: How Do We Know? [Learning Resources]
- Section 1.4: The Role of Theory [Learning Resources]
- Section 1.5: Social Research [Leanring Resources]
Section 2: Culture
- Section 2.1: What is Culture? [Learning Resources]
- Section 2.2: Elements of Culture [Learning Resources]
- Section 2.3: Variant Cultures [Learning Resources]
- Section 2.4: Theoretical Perspectives on Culture [Learning Resources]
- Section 2.5: Cultural Change [Learning Resources]
Section 3: Social Interaction
- Section 3.1: Types of Societies [Learning Resources]
- Section 3.2: Theoretical Perspectives on Society [Learning Resources]
- Section 3.3: The Nature of Reality [Learning Resources]
- Section 3.4: Socialization [Learning Resources]
- Section 3.5: Socialization Through Life [Learning Resources]
Section 4: Organizations and Groups
- Section 4.1: Types of Groups [Learning Resources]
- Section 4.2: Group Structures [Learning Resources]
- Section 4.3: Formal Organizations [Learning Resources]
- Section 4.4: Social Stratification [Learning Resources]
- Section 4.5: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender [Learning Resources]
Section 5: Crime and Deviance
- Section 5.1: Introduction to Deviance [Learning Resources]
- Section 5.2: Deviance and Control [Learning Resources]
- Section 5.3: Theoretical Perspectives of Deviance [Learning Resources]
- Section 5.4: Criminal Justice [Learning Resources]
- Section 5.5: Criminal Justice Policy [Learning Resources]
Section 6: Social Institutions
- Section 6.1: Marriage and Family [Learning Resources]
- Section 6.2: Religion [Learning Resources]
- Section 6.3: Education [Learning Resources]
- Section 6.4: Politics and Government [Learning Resources]
- Section 6.5: Social Change [Learning Resources]
Section 7: Social Inequality
- Section 7.1: What is social inequality? [Learning Resources]
- Section 7.2: Types of Social Inequality [Learning Resources]
- Section 7.3: How Social Inequality is Created [Learning Resources]
- Section 7.4: The Impact of Social Inequality [Learning Resources]
- Section 7.5: The Future of Social Inequality [Learning Resources]
Section 8: Sociological Research Methods
- Section 8.1: How Sociologists Collect Data [Learning Resources]
- Section 8.2: Different Types of Research Methods [Learning Resources]
- Section 8.3: The Ethical Considerations [Learning Resources]
- Section 8.4: The Use of Sociological Research [Learning Resources]
- Section 8.5: The Future of Sociological Research [Learning Resources]
Statement of Purpose
Welcome to Fundamentals of Sociology, an open educational resource (OER) textbook that aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students embarking on their sociological journey. This freely available online textbook embodies modern thinking and best practices in textbook pedagogy while also offering the unique advantage of immediate reader feedback to enhance the content continually.
Our purpose is to offer a clear and accessible resource that equips students with a solid foundation in sociology. By making this textbook freely available online, we ensure that learners from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality educational materials without financial barriers. This OER version also enables readers to actively participate in the improvement of the textbook by providing immediate feedback to the authors regarding the content, thereby fostering a collaborative and iterative learning experience.
Through the integration of real-life examples, diverse perspectives, and current research, we strive to make the study of sociology relevant and meaningful to students’ lives. This open textbook encourages active learning, featuring numerous opportunities for students to engage with the material through thought-provoking exercises, reflective activities, and application-based scenarios.
Aligned closely with the learning objectives of sociology courses, “Fundamentals of Sociology” covers key content and skills needed for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The online format allows for dynamic updates, ensuring that the textbook remains current and responsive to the evolving sociological landscape.
Embracing the principles of inclusivity and diversity, our OER textbook incorporates a range of perspectives, experiences, and identities. By promoting critical analysis and fostering an appreciation for the complexities of social phenomena, we empower students to become active participants in shaping a just and equitable society.
The benefits of the free online OER version are numerous. Firstly, it eliminates financial barriers, making quality education accessible to all students. Secondly, the digital format enables readers to access the textbook anytime, anywhere, fostering flexibility and convenience.
As authors, we are committed to continuous improvement, actively seeking and incorporating reader feedback to enhance the textbook’s content and pedagogical effectiveness. By providing an open platform for engagement and dialogue, we foster a community of learners who actively contribute to the ongoing development of “Fundamentals of Sociology.”
Join us in this sociological adventure where learning transcends boundaries and understanding society becomes a collective endeavor. With “Fundamentals of Sociology” as an open educational resource, we invite you to embark on a transformative journey of knowledge, collaboration, and empowerment. Together, we can shape a more inclusive and informed society.
Modification History File Created: 05/07/2023 Last Modified: 07/10/2023
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This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.
