Extremely reader friendly and packed with vivid examples, ESSENTIALS OF SOCIOLOGY, 9e takes real-world scenarios and shows you how to use sociology to analyze them. It combines comprehensive coverage, socially relevant analysis, and cutting-edge research into a concise 15 chapters. Hands-on exercises help sharpen critical thinking and problem solving skills as readers put sociological theory into practice. More visually engaging than ever, the Ninth Edition also maintains the book s signature emphasis on global issues.