Offering an approach to sociology that takes the global dimensions of the contemporary world as its overarching framework, this textbook is written in a style that is relevant and fresh for the undergraduate reader whether they have studied sociology before or not. It offers sociological discussion of a range of topical and substantive areas, structured in a student-friendly way. This international text is written to engage readers actively in thinking about social life and challenges the "West and the rest" stance of many other texts.