Both classical and contemporary theoretical perspectives in sociology are discussed here as well as a comprehensive range of issues in social research. The skills based approach to the subject allows students to develop their skills of interpretation, application and evaluation at the same time as coming to grips with crucial developments in theory and research. Exercises and activities are fully integrated into the text throughout in order to illustrate and explain the book's substantive content and to offer the reader ample opportunity for absorbing and reapplying new knowledge.