Publisher's Synopsis
This is a unique collection of thirty-two essays that fill a critical void in introductory sociology. This engaging and profound book weaves together feminist, class-conscious, and anti-racist approaches with the study of introductory sociology for Canadian students. One of the many strengths of this bold collection is theory. Rethinking Society in the 21st Century balances classical theoretical approaches in sociology -- Durkheim, Marx and Mills -- with contemporary approaches, as found in the work of Dorothy Smith and Michel Foucault, among others. Following this exemplary grounding, the book then introduces the foundations of society -- socialisation, social interaction and culture -- as well as the major social institutions of family, the economy, and labour. Crime, moral regulation, and social justice are presented in a progressive light, while population, globalisation, and the new world order complete this well-rounded introduction to Canadian sociology. The second unique feature of this collection is its extensive coverage of inequality, specifically social class, gender, ethnicity, race, age/generation, and sexuality. The third distinguishing aspect is its pronounced emphasis on Canadian content and its incorporation of feminist theory.