The Riddles of Human Society

This textbook uses the `riddles′ metaphor to introduce social analysis and to communicate the critical, questioning aspects of sociology which is at the heart of its tradition. The book teaches the student how to be aware of the social `riddles′ around them and how to solve them using sociological analysis.

Why are all U.S. Presidents white men? Why does technology enchant us? Why do some people commit suicide? Why are sports so important to Americans? How will the Internet change society? Why do people ′do good′? This very teachable and short new introductory text explores these and other ′riddles′ to stir students′ sociological curiosity and promote active learning as the sure path toward mastering the fundamentals of the discipline. "Once again, Pine Forge Press has done us Intro teachers a great service with The Riddles of Human Society. The authors have produced a remarkable text, designing it from the point of view of how students actually acquire sociological tools and imagination when reflecting on their social world. … It is written as a conversation with readers, yet is organized with learning tools like chapter summaries, discussion questions, and an in-text glossary. It considers a broad range of topics from micro to macro levels, thus uniquely blending the best of a shorter textbook and a monograph. It will serve very well as a main text for introductory sociology courses. I recommend it highly." Stephen Sharkey, Department of Social Science, Alverno College

Introduction
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL RIDDLES
The Exploration of Social Riddles
PART TWO: SOCIOLOGICAL THINKING
The Perspectives of Sociology
The Concepts of Sociology
The Methods of Sociology
PART THREE: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS IN SOCIOLOGY
Culture
The Software of Social Life
Structure
The Architecture of Social Life
Ritual
The Drama of Social Life
PART FOUR: CASE STUDIES OF SOCIAL RIDDLES
Micro Riddles
Macro Riddles
PART FIVE: THE GRAND RIDDLE
The Riddle of Human Freedom
A Guide for Exploring Social Riddles
Guidelines for a Socioautobiography
Socioautobiography Samples