Social Problems in a Diverse Society, Second Canadian Edition [Paperback]

I particularly liked the simple but effective way the…theories were covered by the authors.  The famous theorists were introduced and their summary views were immediately linked to the discussion on hand.  That was very well done!  I also like the organization of how the theoretical perspectives follow a certain order in each chapter near the end of the discussions…The writing style and level of difficulty strike a great balance.  The book is easy to read but has the theoretical content and depth that could be used at both the college and University level.

       - G. Frank Trovato, University of Guelph-Humber

All of the learning features serve several functions.  They add to the depth of knowledge the students are receiving.  They break up the text and make it easier to read, and they help the students make sense of the respective chapters.  I especially like the critical thinking questions at the end of each chapter.  The teaching of critical thinking skills is an essential part of post-secondary education and questions like these help facilitate valuable discussions…Students love the end-of-chapter summaries.

       - Thomas Groulx, St. Clair College

The “What you can do” section at the end of the chapter is unique and would provide great ideas for class discussion and/or assignments. 

       - Deirdre Way, Loyalist College

The Second Canadian edition of Social Problems in a Diverse Society focuses in particular on the significance of ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, class, and gender in the examination of the causes of social problems. People, especially those from marginalized groups, are shown not merely as “victims”, but as individuals who resist discrimination and inequality and seek to bring about change in families, schools, workplaces, and society at large.

Four primary sociological perspectives (conflict, feminist, interactionist, and functionalist) are employed in every chapter. The authors invite students to analyze in a practical manner how social policy reflects the various interests and values of the stakeholders involved, both in Canada and globally.

The new 13 chapter organization and reduced length improves the fit for one-semester courses, and the revised interior design increases accessibility. Current census material and improved boxed features will help students understand and apply their knowledge to the social world in which we live. Students will find this text an interesting and informative introduction to a mind-opening field of study.