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In this recent history of British sociology, Andrew Halsey suggests an intriguing connection between political economic régimes in the twentieth century and the development of sociology as an academic discipline, dividing British sociology into four periods, 1900-1950, 1950-1967, 1968-1975, and 1975-2000. In this way, by connecting disciplinary developments with contemporaneous régimes of economic regulation, Halsey begins to outline a sociology of sociology. However, although much of Halsey's book is informative, especially his description of the period from 1950-1967 when he personally entered the discipline, Halsey ultimately fails to develop his sociology of the discipline sufficiently, especially after 1967. Although it does not claim to be comprehensive, this essay attempts to develop Halsey's sociology of the discipline.

Is South Africa more equitable now than in 1994?How can domestic violence be explained?How are we as individuals shaped by larger structures, forces and institutions?Why is the environment important for society?Sociology: A Comprehensive South African Introduction provides a comprehensive introduction to the sociological theories and themes commonly taught in undergraduate courses.The book is divided into five broad sections: the foundations of sociology; the individual in society; the institutions in society; the challenges for society; and sociology in context.Each chapter addresses key issues, topics and debates in sociology today, and uses contemporary and current South African case studies to make the material relevant and meaningful to students. Chapter introductions serve as a narrative linking and providing cross-references to material covered in other chapters, where appropriate.

Sociology, the study of human behavior in social groups, is a relatively recent discipline within the social sciences, which examine human behavior, culture, and society using scientific methodology in both research and analysis. This resource explains the rise of the social sciences, in particular sociology, charting the history of the discipline and its founders. The key principles and fundamental theories are examined in detail, and the contemporary status of sociology and today's major players are noted. Readers will also learn the importance of methodology in sociology and all social sciences.

About the author -- The foundations of sociology -- The sociological perspective -- Sociological investigation -- The foundations of society -- Culture -- Society -- Socialization -- Social interaction in everyday life -- Mass media and social media -- Groups and organizations -- Sexuality and society -- Deviance -- Social inequality -- Social stratification -- Social class in the united states -- Global stratification -- Gender stratification -- Race and ethnicity -- Aging and the elderly -- Social institutions -- The economy and work -- Politics and government -- Families -- Religion -- Education -- Health and medicine -- Social change -- Population, urbanization, and environment -- Collective behavior and social movements -- Social change: traditional, modern, and postmodern societies -- Glossary -- References -- Credits -- Author index -- Subject index