This dictionary combines prose, examples, a single author's voice and minimal assumptions about the reader's prior knowledge of the discipline of sociology. The book provides both a useful reference for interpreting core concepts and can be read in its own right as an introduction to the discipline. The comprehensive coverage: includes over 2000 concepts, concepts that define the territory of sociology as a discipline and a representative sampling of more specialized concepts; provides biographical sketches of major contemporary historical figures in sociology, acknowledging the contribution of women sociologists to the discipline; contains biographical entries which are cross-referenced to the theories and concepts; gives illustrated examples; and provides clear and concise information on statistical techniques.