This concise text carries the public sociology movement into the classroom and teaches students to think sociologically, to develop a sociological eye, and to use sociological tools to become effective participants in a democratic society. Students gain hands-on training in sociology while experiencing civic engagement within their own communities.

The engaged sociologist : the sociological perspective and the connections among sociology, democracy, and civic engagement -- Founders and foundations of sociology : theory -- How do we know what we think we know? : sociological methods -- Creating civic engagement versus creating apathy : culture -- Learning how to act in society : socialization -- Deviant behavior and social movements -- Big money doesn't always win : stratification and social class -- What does a "typical American" look like today? : race and ethnicity -- Sex, gender, and power -- Social institutions : family and economy -- Social institutions, continued : education, government, and religion -- The engaged sociologist in action.