This book aims to help college students understand how their lives are shaped by the complexities of global social forces in our new century. It will enable students to develop an approach to thinking about social issues and evaluating claims and arguments. It demonstrates the power and value of thinking sociologically about societies today and helps teach the process of investigation, the sociological craft of research, critical thinking, and careful analysis.

Author Biography

York W. Bradshaw is Professor and Chair of Sociology at the University of Memphis. Prior to this position, he was Director of African Studies and Professor of Sociology at Indiana University, Bloomington. He has also taught and lectured at a number of African universities in Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa. Professor Bradshaw has written and taught on a number of topics, including education and health in developing countries, debt and economic adjustment in poor regions, and African and Asian development. His most recent book is The Uncertain Promise of Southern Africa (edited with Stephen Ndegwa). Joseph F. Healey is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Christopher Newport University in Virginia. He received his PhD in sociology and anthropology from the University of Virginia. An innovative and experienced teacher of numerous race and ethnicity courses, he has written articles on minority groups, the sociology of sport, social movements, and violence, and he is also the author of Statistics: A Tool for Social Research (10th ed., 2014). Rebecca Smith is a freelance writer and editor who has worked extensively with Pine Forge Press on many of our publications. She teaches written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills to working adults through the University of California, San Diego.