Informed by sociological theory and recent empirical analysis, the new edition of this classic textbook is an accessible account of the major social divisions that structure social life. Written by experts, it covers an unrivalled range of social divisions, diversity and inequalities. This is an invaluable sourcebook for social science students.

Acknowledgements Introduction Part 1 ~ The Persistence of Social Divisions Defining and Explaining 'Social Divisions' ~ Geoff Payne Class and Stratification ~ Eric Harrison and John Scott Gender ~ Pamela Abbott Race ~ John Solomos Part 2 ~ Social Structures and Inequalities Education ~ Diane Reay Work ~ Tim Strangleman Poverty ~ Lucinda Platt Elites ~ Daniel Smith Global Social Divisions ~ Robert Holton Part 3 ~ Social Divisions and the Body Sexuality ~ Sue Scott and Stevi Jackson Age ~ Stephen Hunt and Liz Frost Disability ~ Ruth Garbutt and David Saltiel Health ~ Clare Bambra and Geoff Payne Part 4 ~ Inclusion, Exclusion and Inequality Social Identites ~ Steph Lawler National Identity ~ David McCrone Religion ~ Michael Rosie Community ~ Graham Crow and Catherine Maclean Social Divisions as a Sociological Perspective ~ Geoff Payne