Sociology is the intellectual discipline that seeks to provide answers to those questions by the deployment of argument and evidence. In doing so it will often question basic assumptions that we all make about our social world and therefore has the capacity to upset settled or conventional opinions.

Acknowledgements. Preface. 1. The reality of everyday life. 2. Who do we think we are?. 3. Who do we love?. 4. Who do we talk to?. 5. Is work a curse?. 6. Does inequality matter?. 7. Why don’t things fall apart?. 8. Has the magic gone?. 9. What can sociology do for you?. Notes. Index

People are naturally curious about their social world. They ask themselves why they are still not married in their thirties, why there is so much crime in the streets, and whether their work is really so much more rushed and intense than it used to be. These questions are not just the staples of everyday thought and conversation. They are also routinely the subjects of public pronouncements by politicians, journalists and anybody else who has the power to express their opinions to the public. Sociology is the intellectual discipline that seeks to provide answers to those questions by the deployment of argument and evidence. In doing so it will often question basic assumptions that we all make about our social world and therefore has the capacity to upset settled or conventional opinions. This book is an invitation to engage in this endeavour. It is intended for people who are curious about the social world – for existing students of sociology, for those who are considering taking a course in the subject, and for those who are simply wondering what sociology can tell them that they do not already know.

"Both society and sociology have changed tremendously in recent years, and there has been a need for a good short introduction to a fast changing discipline. This book will fill that gap and provide undergraduates with an excellent introduction to the key concepts and concerns of contemporary sociology. It will be ideal for students approaching sociology for the first time: they will enjoy the many examples from contemporary films, TV programmes and books. It makes sociology relevant, exciting and fun, without compromising on intellectual rigour." -- David Abbott, former Head of Sociology at Hills Road Sixth-Form College "Of all the many books of this kind this is easily one of the most compelling. It is beautifully written – clear, alluring, and very readable for students." -- Charles Lemert, Professor of Sociology, Wesleyan University, Connecticut