This comprehensive, mainstream text presents the basic theoretical, conceptual, and methodological tenets of sociology in a readable and personal manner. Its balanced presentation challenges students to pose their own questions about society and to think critically about the world in which they live. It presents the study of sociology as a means by which students can transcend personal and societal prejudices. This Seventh Edition continues its tradition of integrating innovative pedagogy directly into the book, such as: a built-in student study guide; lecture launching CNN video segments that link to text-specific topics; and continued use of the SQ3R (survey, question, read, recite and review) learning technique.