The Sociological Spirit: Critical Essays in a Critical Science - Softcover

Babbie, Earl R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0534089828 ISBN 13: 9780534089825

Publisher: Wadsworth Pub Co, 1987

Synopsis

This selective introduction to the essential concepts of sociology shows students how the "sociological spirit" of structured scientific inquiry and questioning can encourage them to think more critically about the world. The ten short essays explore the fundamental issues and questions of sociology and are an ideal starting point or integrating thread for the course. Each essay focuses upon one key topic in sociology, using questions to introduce relevant terminology, concepts, theories and examples. Chapters progress from microsociological concepts (the self, small groups) to macrosociological concepts (institutions, culture, society). The three final chapters deal with the broader issues of freedom versus order, social change and global problems. The same structured, scientific method of exploration is used to integrate chapters and promote critical thinking and analysis. This book should be of interest to degree and diploma students on courses of sociology.

About this title

About the Author:

Earl R. Babbie graduated from Harvard University before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and began teaching shortly thereafter. Credited with defining research methods for the social sciences, Dr. Babbie has written several texts, including the bestselling THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH and THE BASICS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH.

Review:

1. An Idea Whose Time Has Come. 2. Identity. 3. Groups. 4. Organizations. 5. Institutions. 6. Culture and Society. 7. Inequality. 8. Freedom versus Order. 9. Social Change. 10. The Global Picture. Appendix. Glossary. Suggested Readings. Index.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wadsworth Pub Co
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0534089828
• ISBN 13: 9780534089825
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 186