Includes bibliographical references and index.

Sociology : an introduction to the foundations of sociology -- Sociological research : how do we learn about society? -- Culture : a framework for the individual -- Social structure and interaction : micro and macro orientations -- Socialization : the process of fitting into society -- Groups and societies : understanding our environment -- Social class in the united states : stratification in a modern society -- Global stratification : wealth and poverty in the world -- Population and environmental impact : how do societies deal with growing numbers? -- Race and ethnic stratification : is it a question of color? -- Gender stratification : the social side of sex -- Aging and health : the graying of society -- Crime and the legal system : how do societies respond to crime and deviance? -- Marriage and family : how do societies perpetuate themselves? -- Education and religion : how do societies pass on information? -- Economy and politics : how do societies support and govern themselves? -- Social movements, collective behavior, and social change : how do societies change?.