Sociological Wonderment The Puzzles of Social Life [Paperback]

Accessible and engaging,Sociological Wondermentbrings sociology into the personal lives of students. In the tradition of C. Wright Mills, the author shows how personal concerns should be considered within public contexts. The book's unique thematic approach, topicality, and the way it challenges students' assumptions about social life make it an invaluable supplement.

The interactive learning approach ofSociological Wondermenteases the job of instruction. Students come to grips with the perplexing and enigmatic puzzles at the heart of the sociological enterprise, while Higgins demonstrates that all is not what it seems to be. The author does not presume to know the truth in full, and he explicitly states as much. Rather, his style encourages students to recognize their own value orientations on pivotal issues, removing the illusion that sociologists can or should be value-free.

Sociological Wondermentis a thought-provoking search, an adventure, and an attempt to find one's way through the great maze of our social world. Students will find it a challenging but meaningful quest. A briefInstructor's Resource Guideis available.

Chapter One: What's So Puzzling?
Chapter Two: How Do We Know?
Chapter Three: What in the World?
Chapter Four: How Do We Get People to Do What We Want Them to Do?
Chapter Five: Where Are We and How Did We Get Here?
Epilogue

Paul Higgins has written a wonderfully stimulating book about the wonders of social life that all students should read. It is informative, insightful, and engaging, asking questions about everyday events and social situations, and providing answers that can be readily understood. The study of social behavior is fascinating and fun, and this book proves it. --Frank R. Scarpitti,University of Delaware

I couldn't put the manuscript down as I read it. This book deserves comparison with Peter Berger'sInvitation to Sociologyanl“9