Keep Calm and Understand Society: An Introduction to Sociology

The study of sociology is one of the most exciting, interesting, and absorbing enterprises in which it is possible for humans to engage. It can serve the purpose of teaching us to become life-long learners with skills of knowing how to interpret statistics and current events in the light of history and social science. Keep Calm and Understand Society: An Introduction to Sociology makes the assumption that transmission of the calming influence of sociology is within the realm of possibility. It aims toward fostering an appreciation of theory as well as the various substantive areas of sociology, which are sometimes said to have more ""real world significance."" The so-called empirical study which is not informed or inspired by a theoretical rationale of any kind (such as the kind of research encouraged by the eminent anthropologist Franz Boas) is nothing more than the gathering and dissemination of data-in Biblical terms, tinkling brass and sounding cymbal. My sincere prayer is that this volume will help in the process of assisting the reader in her move toward a ""considered consideration"" of the proliferation of sociological data available for thoughtful study. In addition, it assists readers in the formulation of his/her own social orientation. Individuals may experience a ""paradigm shift"" when the revelation of a particular perspective becomes obvious, others may incorporate bits and pieces of various social models to modify already-held positions, while others may remain the same.