This text, considered to be a living classic among introductory sociology texts, is written by a major sociology researcher and scholarly author, Rodney Stark. The text introduces students to the methods and theories of sociology by introducing them to the techniques sociologists use to study society, as well as explaining the rationale behind what they chose to study. The text employs a unique perspective in a feature called A Closer View, which illustrates seminal research studies to introduce students to the sociological imagination and the world. The text has a global and multicultural perspective, which is closely related to American culture. This NEW Internet Edition incorporates the Internet throughout every chapter. It is the only text like it in the introductory sociology market.