Extremely reader friendly and packed with vivid examples, ESSENTIALS OF SOCIOLOGY, 9e takes real-world scenarios and shows you how to use sociology to analyze them. It combines comprehensive coverage, socially relevant analysis, and cutting-edge research into a concise 15 chapters. Hands-on exercises help sharpen critical thinking and problem solving skills as readers put sociological theory into practice. More visually engaging than ever, the Ninth Edition also maintains the book's signature emphasis on global issues.