James M. Henslin was born in Minnesota, graduated from high school and junior college in California and from college in Indiana. Awarded scholarships, he earned his Master's and doctorate degrees in sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Summary
Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach is heralded by students and instructors alike as the most
friendly and inviting introduction to sociology available. James Henslin guides students on an intellectual voyage
through the sociological imagination, helping them better understanding both themselves and their world. With humor,
personal reflection and illuminating examples, he shares with readers his passion for sociology.
Six central themes run throughout the text: down-to-earth sociology, globalization, cultural diversity, critical
thinking, the new technology and the influence of mass media on everyday life.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Pt. I The Sociological Perspective
1 The Sociological Perspective 1
2 Culture 29
3 Socialization 53
4 Social Structure and Social Interaction 75
Pt. II Social Groups and Social Control
5 Social Groups in a Socially Diverse Society 99
6 Deviance and Social Control 123
Pt. III Social Inequality
7 Social Stratification in Global Perspective 147
8 Social Class in the United States 171
9 Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity 197
10 Inequalities of Gender and Age 231
Pt. IV Social Institutions
11 Politics and the Economy: Leadership and Work in the Global Village 263
12 Marriage and Family: Our Introduction to Society 290
13 Education and Religion: Cross-Generational Transfer of Knowledge, Skills, and Meaning 320
Pt. V Social Change
14 Population and Urbanization 351
15 Social Change: Technology, Social Movements, and the Environment 382
Glossary 407
Suggested Readings 419
References 433
Name Index 457
Subject Index 465
