Product Description

For more than thirty years and through eleven editions, James Henslin's Down to Earth Sociology has opened new windows onto the social realities that shape our world. Now in its twelfth edition, the most popular anthology in all of sociology includes new articles on our changing world while also retaining its classic, must-read essays. Focusing on social interaction in everyday life, the forty-five selections bring students face-to-face with the twin projects of contemporary sociology: understanding the individual's experience of society and analyzing social structure.

The twelfth edition's exceptional new readings include selections on the unspoken rules of social interaction, the shocking disparities between upper- and lower-class life, America's changing attitudes toward work and family and the roles they fulfill, and the "McDonaldization" of American society. Together with these essential new articles, the selections by Peter Berger, Herbert Gans, Erving Goffman, Donna Eder, Zella Luria, C. Wright Mills, Deborah Tannen, Barrie Thorne, Sidney Katz, Philip Zimbardo, and many others provide firsthand reporting that gives students a sense of "being there." Henslin also explains basic methods of social research, providing insight into how sociologists explore the social world. The selections in Down to Earth Sociology highlight the most significant themes of contemporary sociology, ranging from the sociology of gender, power, politics, sports, and religion, to the contemporary crises of racial tension, crime, rape, poverty, and homelessness.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #804920 in Books
• Published on: 2003-01-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 592 pages

Review
R. Robin MillerDrury University I've been using this reader for seven years. I love it! And so do my students. -- Review

About the Author
James M. Henslin is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. He is the author of many textbooks, including Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 6th ed.; Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 4th ed.; and Social Problems, 6th ed.

Customer Reviews

Excellent book for intro students
This is an excellent book to introduce students into the real world of Sociology. Rather than focusing on theorists and their theories, Down to Earth Sociology focuses on real-life examples and situations in which the reader can relate. The articles are user-friendly, and fun to read. A recommendation for anyone interested in the world of Sociology.

Essential readings for intro sociology
When I teach introduction to sociology, this is the book that generates the most student enthusiasm. Everyone likes it, and many students love it. They often discuss readings not assigned--they've been reading ahead, or reading off the syllabus, for their own information and enjoyment rather than because it's required. Yes, some of the readings are classics, in other words old. But they aren't useless because they describe a past social pattern rather than a current one; any good intro course should give students a feeling for how social relationships vary across time as well as place, historically as well as cross-culturally. It would be nice if Henslin added some newer readings to satisfy those students who think that sociology should be about the now, but that would mean eliminating some great readings or making the book very large. It would also be nice if a few readings could help students understand the sort of quantitative research results that are reported in newspapers and on television news programs. For most courses, I usually prefer to assemble my own bulkpack of articles for students, but in this case, although I might choose different readings, I couldn't choose better ones. Overall, Henslin does an excellent job as editor. The readings show students how sociological concepts and techniques can enrich their understanding of everyday life. And it's reasonably priced.

Something for Everyone in Henslin's Book!
I read this book because I loved my sociology textbook (also by Henslin) so much. (Yeah, I'm a dork.) While some of the articles in this book are a bit outdated as another reviewer pointed out, this book has something for everyone. From the classic essay on the "Saints" and the "Roughnecks" to the humorous description of how a "Nacirema" brushes his teeth (you WILL feel sheepish when you finish reading it!!!) to the account of a sociologist "posing" as homeless person for a week, there's got to be something in here you'll find interesting.

All these articles are written from completely unbiased points of view. I highly recommend this book for everyone! Anyone who is interested in sociology, culture, people, behvaior, or life in general will love it!!