By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Identify and describe the properties of life
Describe the levels of organization among living things
Recognize and interpret a phylogenetic tree
List examples of different subdisciplines in biology

Introduction to Sociology 2e adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical, one-semester introductory sociology course. It offers comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories, which are supported by a wealth of engaging learning materials. The textbook presents detailed section reviews with rich questions, discussions that help students apply their knowledge, and features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways. The second edition retains the book’s conceptual organization, aligning to most courses, and has been significantly updated to reflect the latest research and provide examples most relevant to today’s students. In order to help instructors transition to the revised version, the 2e changes are described within the preface.

Understand the historical and current trends of poverty among elderly populations
Recognize ageist thinking and ageist attitudes in individuals and institutions
Learn about elderly individuals’ risks of being mistreated and abused

Consider the biological, social, and psychological changes in aging
Describe the birth of the field of geriatrics
Examine attitudes toward death and dying and how they affect the elderly
Name the five stages of grief developed by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Compare and contrast sociological theoretical perspectives on aging

Understand the difference between senior age groups (young-old, middle-old, and old-old)
Describe the “graying of the United States” as the population experiences increased life expectancies
Examine aging as a global issue

Explain why sociology emerged when it did
Describe how sociology became a separate academic discipline

Explain what sociological theories are and how they are used
Understand the similarities and differences between structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism

Explain concepts central to sociology
Understand how different sociological perspectives have developed

Explain why it is worthwhile to study sociology
Identify ways sociology is applied in the real world

Understand how values and beliefs differ from norms
Explain the significance of symbols and language to a culture
Explain the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
Discuss the role of social control within culture

Discuss the roles of both high culture and pop culture within society
Differentiate between subculture and counterculture
Explain the role of innovation, invention, and discovery in culture
Understand the role of cultural lag and globalization in cultural change