The Sociology Book

Big Ideas Simply Explained

By: DK

Narrated by: Laurel Lefkow

Exploring more than 80 of the big ideas and key theories in the field of sociology in a clear and simple way, narrated by Laurel Lefkow. This is the perfect introduction to the study of how humans live and interact with each other.

Covering diversity and equality, globalization, human rights, modern urban living, and the role of work and institutions, The Sociology Book looks at the big questions of how we cooperate: What is society? What makes it tick? Why do we interact in the way that we do with our friends, co-workers, and rivals?

The perfect way to explore this fascinating subject, The Sociology Book profiles the world's most renowned sociologists and more than 80 of their biggest ideas, from the early pioneers Karl Marx and Auguste Comte to the groundbreaking work of Sharon Zukin and Judith Butler. Each sociological theory is made crystal clear with the help of pithy quotes and step-by-step summaries that explain each idea in an easy-to-grasp way, and Laurel Lefkow's narration, having currently read more than 130 audiobooks, including Wild by Cheryl Strayed, Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay and The Little Friend by Donna Tartt.

© 2015 Dorling Kindersley Ltd © 2019 DK Audio

This book ruined my life

this was a great listen, turned my world upside down though, proceed with the utmost caution.

Fantastic run through of sociology

This was a fantastic run through of basic sociology and gave me plenty of new suggestions on books to read

A great book for the beginner like me.

I recommend this book especially for those who want to know about Sociology as a beginner.

great intro to social thought for audio learners

when it comes to introductions to social theory, there's very little available in audiobook format. this starts to change that.

this is a good place to get a whirlwind introduction to a blizzard of concepts and writers.

i think it is helpful to have the book in hand when you listen to it (i.e. immersive reading) because the content sometimes doesn't adhere to a narrative for easy listening (e.g. just lists out dates and book titles).

i highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling to understand the basic theoretical foundations of the social sciences today. this is invaluable for anyone who is taking a sociology, anthropology, history, gender studies, ethnic/race studies or media studies course. or for anyone about to start grad school in the social sciences or humanities and wants a refresher.

but for an easier introduction for audio learners, i recommend: "religion: the basics" and "literary theory: the basics". and then go deeper into primary sources on audible like: web du bois's "the souls of black folks" and max weber "protestant ethic" and goffman's "the presentation of the self in everyday life" (very fun listen) and berger's "the social construction of reality" (also a fun listen) and judith bulter's "gender trouble" and then try more contemporary sociology like karen ho's "liquidated" and hochschild's "stranger in their own land"

So boring. OMG

I have decided that I’m not going to be a sociologist or do anything related. Good luck and god bless.