Society in Focus: An Introduction to Sociology, Ninth Edition,emphasizes how society and socialforces affect everything from globalizationand international policies to day-to-dayactivities in our personal lives. In thisedition, the authors go beyond the merequestioning of issues to take a closer lookat the social world in which we live. Theyprovide an integrated approach that usessociological thinking to help studentsanalyze and understand key concepts. Tofocus increased attention on sociologicalthinking and research methods, theyhave chosen four key themes: media andtechnology, globalization, cultural diversity,and trends for the future. Because sociologyis about all of us and our daily lives, it is aneminently practical and useful discipline forunderstanding our social world. This Ninth Edition Includes: • specific student outcomes for each chapter as well as assessment items linked to those outcomes • new chapter-opening vignettes that give real-life examples illustrating important terms, concepts, and theories included in that chapter • updated data, statistics, maps, charts, boxes, and tables citing the latest research available • examples of the powerful impact of media and technology on society, especially the role social media play in helping to shape and define our daily social lives • new photos and cartoons accompanied by critical-thinking questions that reinforce and illustrate important sociological terms, concepts, and theories

This textbook offers a new approach to understanding social theory. Framed around paired theoretical perspectives on a series of sociological problems, the book shows how distinctive viewpoints shed light on different facets of social phenomena. The book includes sociology’s "founding fathers", major 20th-century thinkers and recent voices such as Butler and Zizek. Philosophically grounded and focused on interpretation and analysis, the book provides a clear understanding of theory’s scope while developing students’ skills in evaluating, applying and comparing theories.

Written by internationally renowned experts, each chapter provides a full introduction to a key aspect of research methodology. From starting out to generating, analysing, and presenting data, this new edition covers foundational concepts in social research while also keeping students on the pulse of topics like digital social research, social surveys, and big data. Packed with international examples from across the social sciences, it shows how to interpret and work with data generated from real-world research. It gives you the tools to: - Design the right research question for your project - Access, understand, and use existing data - Effectively write up projects and assignments - Be confident in the A to Z of the research process Supported by an interactive website with videos, datasets, templates, and additional exercises, this book is the perfect hand-holder for any social science student starting a methods course or project.

This book is a useful companion to every social science student who desires an understanding of classical theoretical developments in and evolution of the disciplines.

This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art account of the field, reaffirming Iberian Studies as a dynamic and evolving discipline offering promising areas of future research. It is an essential tool for research in Iberian Studies.

A complete overview of the profession and the practice of occupational therapy, Introduction to Occupational Therapy, 4th Edition prepares you for the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of the OT practitioner. This edition incorporates the latest revisions of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, which defines the OT process and areas of concern. Discussions also include treatment settings, occupational therapy across the lifespan, and evaluation, intervention, and outcomes within the OT process. Written by OT expert Jane Clifford O'Brien, this edition also keeps you current with emerging topics such as working with culturally diverse patients, evidence-based practice, and new practice areas such as driving and obesity. Coverage of different OT practice areas (e.g., adult, geriatric, pediatric, and mental health) prepares you for the variety of clients you will encounter in clinical practice. An emphasis on evidence-based practice helps you think logically and use the literature to form a basis for diagnoses and treatment plans. Case studies and activities in each chapter promote problem-solving skills and demonstrate concepts. The OT Practice Framework and reimbursement mechanisms are addressed in terms of the occupational therapy process, providing a sound basis for decision making. A broad perspective on OT practice fits the needs of both occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students. Chapter objectives, key terms, chapter summaries, and review questions highlight important content in each chapter. A companion Evolve website includes video clips, review questions with answers, crossword puzzles, and additional case studies. NEW! The latest revisions to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework are incorporated throughout the book, keeping you current with today's OT theories and practice. NEW cultural content prepares you to meet the needs of diverse clients. NEW discussions of the Centennial Vision provide a "big picture" view of occupational therapy and its changes as the profession reaches the age of 100.

"This book explores how social software and developing community ontologies are challenging the way we operate in a performative space"--Provided by publisher.

Space weaponry, satellite surveillance and communications, and private space travel are all means in which outer space is being humanized: incorporated into society’s projects. But what are the political implications of society not only being globalized, but becoming ‘cosmic’? Our ideas about society have long affected, and been affected by, our understanding of the universe: large sections of our economy and society are now organized around humanity’s use of outer space. Our view of the universe, our increasingly ‘cosmic’ society, and even human consciousness are being transformed by new relations with the cosmos. As the first sociological book to tackle humanity’s relationship with the universe, this fascinating volume links social theory to classical and contemporary science, and proposes a new ‘cosmic’ social theory. Written in a punchy, student-friendly style, this timely book engages with a range of topical issues, including cyberspace, terrorism, tourism, surveillance and globalization.

Designed for use by undergraduates on social policy, social work and sociology courses and by students on vocational training courses (including postgraduate), this textbook covers all the main topics of social policy.