Social Blueprints: Conceptual Foundations of Sociology

Social Blueprints is a concise introduction to sociological thought that is a refreshing alternative to the approaches of traditional textbooks and other brief introductions to the field. David K. Brown introduces students to concepts and theories that form the foundation of sociological reasoning. In a highly engaging style, he uses personal experiences, salient cultural examples, and pressing social issues to ground these ideas in the everyday experiences of students. In five cogent chapters, Brown explores how core sociological ideas such as culture, social structure, identities, power, and globalization can better inform our understanding of the social world. He uses contemporary, historical, and global examples drawn from realms such as music, professional sports, fashion, film, government, warfare, protests, corporations, workplaces, education, crime, poverty, architecture, and tourism to lend immediate relevance to sociological endeavor. Acutely focused and written with a clear, critical point of view, Social Blueprints is ideal for use in introductory and other sociology courses as either a primary or supplemental text.