Much of the text in this edition is new. All the empirical materials have been brought up to date. There are many new sections, covering issues ranging from ethnic struggles and changes in class structure through to eating disorders and the expanding impact of information technology. Recent developments in social theory are also incorporated. New chapte rs include The Sociology of the Body, Mass Media and Popular Culture and The Sociology of Education. The book is comparative, stressing as it does the essential influcence of globalizing influences upon social life. Numerous student-learning aids are provided, as well as many figures and diagrams. As a result, the book is comprehensive account of the subject. It should be a useful textbook for all beginning students in sociology.