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Sociology 12ed offers students a window to absorb the interesting aspects sociology—with its perspectives, concepts, theories, and research findings – without losing them in density of material that is a barrier in many texts. The author is known for presenting material that is comprehensive, readable, theoretically and empirically sound . . . but in a clear and interesting manner so students will be successful as they grapple to learn about the social factors that promote patterned behavior in themselves and others.  Sociology 12e encourages critical thinking about conventional wisdom through the development of the"sociological imagination"--the mind-set that enables individuals to see the relationship between events in their personal lives and events in their society. To this end, each chapter opens with a question about some aspect of social life. The answer to each question contradicts a popular or common sense belief. Sometimes the question will focus on a result that even sociologists doubted until a sufficient amount of convincing research was done. The correct answer is given at the beginning of the chapter and further elaboration of the explanation will be within the chapter itself. This theme of "questioning" what they are reading continues throughout each chapter.