This brief anthology for introductory sociology is a collection of 24 classic statements and contemporary favorites that illustrate key concepts in sociology, relate to the everyday lives of students, and spark good classroom discussions. The selections are also chosen to represent four theoretical traditions in sociology (functionalism, symbolic interaction, conflict theory, feminism). It is designed for instructors who want to expose students to some original scholarship in their first sociology course, but do not require a comprehensive reader. The Second Edition places more emphasis on a diverse range of social experiences, and several of the new selections are from sociologists whose work has attracted widespread media attention. New to this Edition There are more readings in this edition on the experiences of minorities, including LGBTQ Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans. The book now reflects a more diverse authorship as well, with an even split between male and female scholars and almost one-third of the readings written by nonwhite authors. The introduction has been updated to incorporate the results of 2016 election and to make the case for sociology as a discipline ideally suited for navigating the social and political changes in contemporary American society, as well as individual students’ day-to-day challenges. Several new readings are from sociologists who have been in the national spotlight for their contributions to major public debates: Tressie McMillian Cottom; Lisa Wade; Matthew Desmond (Pulitzer Prize winner); Elizabeth Armstrong and Laura Hamilton.