Social life is in a constant process of change and sociology cannot afford to stand still Sociology today is theoretically diverse covers a huge range of subjects and draws on a broad array of research methods Central to this endeavour is the use of core concepts and ideas which allow sociologists to make sense of societies though our understanding of these concepts is constantly evolving and changing This clear and jargon free book introduces a careful selection of essential concepts that have helped to shape sociology and others that continue to do so Going beyond brief dictionary style definitions Anthony Giddens and Philip W Sutton provide an extended discussion of each concept which sets it into historical and theoretical context explores its main meanings in use introduces some relevant criticisms and points readers to its ongoing development in contemporary research and theorizing Organized in ten thematic sections the book offers a portrait of sociology through its essential concepts ranging from capitalism identity and deviance to citizenship the environment and intersectionality It will be essential reading for all those new to sociology as well as those seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world

社会生活处于一个不断变化的过程中，社会学不能停滞不前 今天的社会学在理论上是多样化的，涵盖了大量的主题，并借鉴了一系列广泛的研究方法 这种努力的核心是使用核心概念和思想，使社会学家能够理解社会，尽管我们对这些概念的理解在不断发展和变化。吉登斯和菲利普-W-萨顿对每个概念进行了详细的讨论，将其置于历史和理论背景中，探讨了其在使用中的主要含义，介绍了一些相关的批评意见，并向读者指出其在当代研究和理论化中的持续发展。 本书分为十个主题部分，通过其基本概念，从资本主义、身份和偏差到公民权、环境和交叉性，为社会学提供了一幅画卷。对于所有初涉社会学的人以及那些在快速变化的世界中寻求可靠路线图的人来说，这将是必不可少的阅读。