Synopsis Sociology is an attempt to understood and explain the way that individuals groups interact within a society. Sociology is a new subject for many students. Therefore, it may be helpful to give a quick introduction to what sociologists do. Sociologists are interested in all sorts of topics. For example, some sociologists focus on the family, addressing issues such as marriage, divorce, child-rearing, and domestic abuse, the ways these things are defined in different culture and times, and their effect on both individuals and institutions. Others examine larger social organizations such as businesses and governments, looking at their structure and hierarchies. Still others focus on social movements and political protest. Sociologists may look at divisions and inequality within society, examining phenomena such as race, gender, and class, and their effect on people's choices and opportunities. As you can see, sociologists study just about everything. Thus, it is not the subject matter that makes a book sociological, but rather the perspective used in writing it. It is hoped that thinkers, social activists, and students will find the book much helpful in their respective pursuits.