This revised and updated edition of the highly successful sociology textbook, Contemporary Sociology, continues to throw light on key issues and concerns of present-day society. M. Francis Abraham's vast experience and extensive research cuts across conventional themes and geographical boundaries to include: Theoretical perspectives and research methods Key concepts and theories Relevant issues in education, economy, politics, population, stratification, minorities, urbanization, and environment Social institutions, organizations, and recent trends of change Examples drawn from numerous cultural contexts The crucial topics of modern-day sociology such as gender, race, lifestyle changes, ecological issues, and domestic violence are explained separately, distinguishing the book from general sociology textbooks.