Profiles the world's most renowned sociologists and more than 100 of their biggest ideas, including issues of equality, diversity, identity, and human rights; the effects of globalization; the role of institutions; and the rise of urban living in modern society.

Introduction -- Foundations of Sociology -- Social Inequalities -- Modern Living -- Living In A Global World -- Culture And Identity -- Work And Consumerism -- The Role Of Institutions -- Families And Intimacies -- Directory -- Glossary -- Index -- Acknowledgments.