Social life is in a constant process of change, and sociology can never stand still. As a result, sociology today is a theoretically diverse enterprise, covering a huge range of subjects and drawing on a broad array of research methods. Central to this endeavour is the use of core concepts and ideas which allow sociologists to make sense of societies, though our understanding of these concepts necessarily evolves and changes. This clear and jargon-free book introduces a careful selection of essential concepts that have helped to shape sociology and others that continue to do so. Going beyond brief, dictionary-style definitions, Anthony Giddens and Philip W. Sutton provide an extended discussion of each concept which sets it in historical and theoretical context, explores its main meanings in use, introduces relevant criticisms, and points readers to its ongoing development in contemporary research and theorizing. Organized in ten thematic sections, the book offers a portrait of sociology through its essential concepts, ranging from capitalism, identity and deviance to globalization, the environment and intersectionality. It will be essential reading for all those new to sociology as well as anyone seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world.

In Frankenstein Was a Vegetarian: Essays on Food Choice, Identity, and Symbolism, Michael Owen Jones tackles topics often overlooked in foodways. At the outset he notes it was Victor Frankenstein's "daemon" in Mary Shelley's novel that advocated vegetarianism, not the scientist whose name has long been attributed to his creature. Jones explains how we communicate through what we eat, the connection between food choice and who we are or want to appear to be, the ways that many of us self-medicate moods with foods, and the nature of disgust. He presents fascinating case studies of religious bigotry and political machinations triggered by rumored bans on pork, the last meal requests of prisoners about to be executed, and the Utopian vision of Percy Bysshe Shelley, one of England's greatest poets, that was based on a vegetable diet like the creature's meals in Frankenstein. Jones also scrutinizes how food is used and abused on the campaign trail, how gender issues arise when food meets politics, and how eating preferences reflect the personalities and values of politicians, one of whom was elected president and then impeached twice. Throughout the book, Jones deals with food as symbol as well as analyzes the link between food choice and multiple identities. Aesthetics, morality, and politics likewise loom large in his inquiries. In the final two chapters, Jones applies these concepts to overhauling penal policies and practices that make food part of the pains of imprisonment, and looks at transforming the counseling of diabetes patients, who number in the millions.

The contents are carefully mapped to the AQA AS and A level specifications, so you can be sure you are studying exactly what you need to. The book focuses on the key topics of Families and Households, Education, Methods in Context and Research Methods to achieve the depth of coverage required for top grades. Clear headings and subheadings signpost and organise the content - particularly important for students new to the subject. The text is accessible to students of all abilities, with key concepts, methods and studies explained in straightforward language pitched at just the right level for first year A level students. The attractive, full-colour design and thought-provoking photos stimulate students' interest and engagement. There are realistic practice exam questions throughout the book, together with detailed guidance on tackling them, plus marked student answers with examiner's commentaries to show what is expected. A separate chapter on preparing for the exams gives detailed examiner's advice and provides separate practice exam questions for AS and A level papers. Every Topic includes activities for individual and group work to check students' understanding and consolidate and deepen their learning. The book comes with a comprehensive, free online resource package, including free student workbooks, online activities and schemes of work. The authors are experienced chief and principal examiners, teachers and authors who have written extensively for AS and A level students and teachers. This book is the companion volume to AQA A Level Sociology Book Two by the same authors.

In Cattle Lords and Clansmen, Nerys Patterson provides an analysis of the social structure of medieval Ireland, focusing on the pre-Norman period. By combining difficult, often fragmentary primary sources with sociological and anthropological methods, Patterson produces a unique approach to the study of early Ireland-one that challenges previous scholarship. The second edition includes a chapter on seasonal rhythm, material derived from Patterson's post-1991 publications, and an updated bibliography.