Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology
The Ninth Edition of Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology by Jeanne H. Ballantine and Kathleen Odell Korgen inspires students to develop their sociological imaginations, see the world and personal events from a new perspective, and confront sociological issues on a day-to-day basis. The text is organized around the "Social World" model, a conceptual framework that demonstrates the relationships among individuals (the micro level); organizations, institutions, and subcultures (the meso level); and societies and global structures (the macro level). The consistent application of the Social World Model across chapters (represented in a visual diagram in the chapter openers) helps students develop the practice of using three levels of analysis, and to view sociology as an integrated whole, rather than a set of disparate subjects.

This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.

Instructors, see how Vantage works! 
Take a brief self-guided tour with our interactive demo
1116749826
Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology
The Ninth Edition of Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology by Jeanne H. Ballantine and Kathleen Odell Korgen inspires students to develop their sociological imaginations, see the world and personal events from a new perspective, and confront sociological issues on a day-to-day basis. The text is organized around the "Social World" model, a conceptual framework that demonstrates the relationships among individuals (the micro level); organizations, institutions, and subcultures (the meso level); and societies and global structures (the macro level). The consistent application of the Social World Model across chapters (represented in a visual diagram in the chapter openers) helps students develop the practice of using three levels of analysis, and to view sociology as an integrated whole, rather than a set of disparate subjects.

This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.

Instructors, see how Vantage works! 
Take a brief self-guided tour with our interactive demo
106.0 In Stock
Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology

Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology

Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology
Add to Wishlist
Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology

Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology

Overview

The Ninth Edition of Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology by Jeanne H. Ballantine and Kathleen Odell Korgen inspires students to develop their sociological imaginations, see the world and personal events from a new perspective, and confront sociological issues on a day-to-day basis. The text is organized around the "Social World" model, a conceptual framework that demonstrates the relationships among individuals (the micro level); organizations, institutions, and subcultures (the meso level); and societies and global structures (the macro level). The consistent application of the Social World Model across chapters (represented in a visual diagram in the chapter openers) helps students develop the practice of using three levels of analysis, and to view sociology as an integrated whole, rather than a set of disparate subjects.

This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.

Instructors, see how Vantage works! 
Take a brief self-guided tour with our interactive demo

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781071935996
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Publication date: 05/29/2025
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 488
File size: 51 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Jeanne H. Ballantine is Emerita Professor of Sociology at Wright State University, a state university of about 17,000 students in Ohio. She has also taught at several 4-year colleges, including an “alternative” college and a traditionally Black college, and at international programs in universities abroad. She has been teaching introductory sociology for more than 30 years with a mission to introduce the uninitiated to the field and to help students see the usefulness and value in sociology. She has been active in the teaching movement, shaping curriculum, writing and presenting research on teaching, and offering workshops and consulting in regional, national, and international forums. She is a Fulbright Senior Scholar and serves as a Departmental Resources Group consultant and evaluator.

Jeanne has written several textbooks, all with the goal of reaching the student audience. As the original director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Wright State University, she scoured the literature on student learning and served as a mentor to teachers in a wide variety of disciplines. Local, regional, and national organizations have honored her for her teaching and for her contributions to helping others become effective teachers. In 1986, the American Sociological Association’s Section on Undergraduate Education (now called the Section on Teaching and Learning in Sociology) recognized her with the Hans O. Mauksch Award for Distinguished Contributions to Teaching of Sociology. In 2004, she was honored by the American Sociological Association with its Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award. In 2010, the North Central Sociological Association awarded her the J. Milton Yinger Award for Distinguished Career in Sociology.

Kathleen Odell Korgen is Professor of Sociology at William Paterson University, a comprehensive university in Wayne, New Jersey. Kathleen enjoys teaching her students that sociology is a remarkably useful discipline and highlights how “Sociologists in Action” make a positive impact on society. Her published works on race relations and racial identity include From Black to Biracial, Crossing the Racial Divide, Multiracial Americans and Social Class, Race Policy and Multiracial Americans. Her teaching texts, in addition to Sociology in Action, include Our Social World, The Engaged Sociologist, Sociologists in Action, , and Social Problems in Action. Kathleen is also the editor of The Cambridge Handbook of Sociology.

Kathleen works as a consultant for other sociology departments as a member of the American Sociological Association Departmental Resources Group and received William Paterson University’s award for Excellence in Scholarship/Creative Expression in 2006 and the university’s award for Excellence in Teaching in 2014.



Table of Contents

Preface
Instructors
A Personal Note to the Instructor
Acknowledgments
Part I: Understanding Our Social World
Chapter 1: Sociology: A Unique Way to View the World
What Is Sociology?
Why Does Sociology Matter?
The Social World Model
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 2: Examining the Social World: How Do We Know What We Know?
Development of Sociology
Sociology’s Major Theoretical Perspectives
Ideas Underlying Science
How Sociologists Study the Social World
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Part II: Social Structure, Processes, And Control
Chapter 3: Society and Culture: Hardware and Software of Our Social World
Society: The Hardware
Culture: The Software
The Components of Culture: Things and Thoughts
Society, Culture, and Our Social World
Theories of Culture
Fit Between Hardware and Software
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 4: Socialization: Becoming Human and Humane
Nature Versus Nurture—or Both Working Together?
Importance of Socialization
Socialization and the Social World
Development of the Self: Micro-Level Analysis
Socialization Throughout the Life Cycle
Agents of Socialization: The Micro–Meso Connection
Socialization and Macro-Level Issues
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 5: Interaction, Groups, and Organizations: Connections That Work
Networks and Connections in Our Social World
The Process of Interaction: Connections at the Micro Level
Groups in Our Social World: The Micro–Meso Connection
Organizations and Bureaucracies
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 6: Deviance and Social Control: Sickos, Weirdos, Freaks, and Folks Like Us
What Is Deviance?
What Causes Deviant Behavior? Theoretical Perspectives
Crime and Individuals: Micro-Level Analysis
Crime and Organizations: Meso-Level Analysis
National and Global Crime: Macro-Level Analysis
Controlling Crime: Social Policy Considerations
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Part III: Inequality
Chapter 7: Economic Inequality: From Wealth to Want
Recognizing Inequality and Social Stratification
The Importance of Social Stratification
Theoretical Explanations of Stratification
Individuals’ Social Status
Social Mobility: The Micro–Meso Connection
Major Stratification Systems: Macro-Level Analysis
Poverty and Inequality from a Sociological Perspective
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 8: Racial and Ethnic Inequality: Beyond “Us” and “Them”
What Characterizes Racial and Ethnic Groups?
Prejudice and Discrimination
Dominant and Subordinate Group Relations: Macro-Level Analysis
Improving Group Relations: Policies to Reduce Prejudice, Racism, and Discrimination
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing To Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 9: Gender Inequality: She/He/They—Who Goes First?
Sex, Gender, and the Stratification System
Gender Socialization: Micro- to Meso-Level Analyses
Gender Stratification: Meso- and Macro-Level Processes
Gender Stratification: Micro- to Macro-Level Theories
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Part IV: Institutions
Chapter 10: Family: Partner Taking, People Making, and Contract Breaking
Importance of Institutions
What Is a Family?
Theoretical Perspectives on Family
Family Dynamics: Micro-Level Processes
Family as an Institution: Meso-Level Analysis
National and Global Family Issues: Macro-Level Analysis
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 11: Education: What Are We Learning?
The State of Education: An Overview
The Ins and Outs of Local Schools: Micro-Level Interactions in Educational Organizations
After the School Bell Rings: Meso-Level Analysis of Educational Organizations
Education and the Family
Education, Society, and the Road to Opportunity: The Macro Level
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 12: Religion: The Social Meaning of Sacred Meaning
What Does Religion Do For Us?
Becoming Part of a Faith Community: Micro-Level Analysis
Religion and Modern Life: Meso-Level Analysis
Religion in Society: Macro-Level Analysis
Religion in The Modern World
Social Policy: Same-Sex Marriage and Ordination of LGBTQ+Ministers
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 13: Health Care: An Anatomy of Health and Illness
Why is Death a Social Issue?
Why Is Health a Social Issue?
Theoretical Perspectives on Health and Illness
Status and Roles of the Sick Person: Micro-Level Analysis
Modern Health Care Systems: Meso-Level Analysis
Health Care Issues at the National and Global Level: Macro-Level Analysis
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 14: Politics and Economics: Probing Power, Dissecting Distribution
Power and Privilege
Theoretical Perspectives on Power and Privilege
Individuals, Power, and Participation: Micro-Level Analysis
Power and Resource Distribution: Meso-Level Analysis
National and Global Systems: Macro-Level Analysis
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Part V: Social Dynamics
Chapter 15: Environmental Sociology: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment
Macro-Level Patterns in World Population Growth
Influences on Population Change
Urbanization: Movement From Rural to Urban Areas
Cities: Meso-Level Organizational Structures
People and the Environment
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Chapter 16: Process of Change: We Can Make a Difference!
Complexity of Change in Our Social World
Change at the Micro, Meso, and Macro Levels
Social Change: Process and Theories
Collective Behavior: Micro- to Meso-Level Change
Social Movements: Macro-Level Change
What Have We Learned?
Discussion Questions
Key Terms
Contributing to Our Social World: What Can We Do?
Glossary
References
Index
About the Authors
From the B&N Reads Blog
Page 1 of

Related Subjects

Social Sciences
Sociology
Sociology - General & Miscellaneous
Social Sciences
Sociology
Sociology - General & Miscellaneous

Customer Reviews