Society consists of people sharply divided from one another, living different lives and identifying themselves in distinct ways. The social inequalities that underlie these divisions take many forms. This updated and expanded second edition of a successful text explores each of the social divisions. The book includes three major new chapters, on religion, poverty and elites, bringing it up to date with current research and teaching practices. Written by leading academics in each field, with additional pedagogical features, this is a crucial book for all students studying social divisions.

Author Biography

GEOFF PAYNE is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Plymouth, UK. He is the author of many books and has extensive teaching and external examining experience. He has twice been Chair of the British Sociological Association and in 2003 was appointed Visiting Professor of Sociology at Glasgow Caledonian University.