This revised and updated edition of the highly successful sociology textbook, Contemporary Sociology, continues to throw light on key issues and concerns of present-day society. M. Francis Abraham's vast experience and extensive research cuts across conventional themes and geographical boundaries to include: Theoretical perspectives and research methodsKey concepts and theoriesRelevant issues in education, economy, politics, population, stratification, minorities, urbanization, and environmentSocial institutions, organizations, and recent trends of changeExamples drawn from numerous cultural contexts This second edition introduces the following new concepts in a comparative perspective:Theoretical perspectives in a global ageCrystallization of social interactionRace, gender, and stratificationNew social movementsGender and deviance Women's movements and caste-oriented movementThe crucial topics of modern-day sociology such as gender, race, lifestyle changes, ecological issues, and domestic violence are explained separately, distinguishing the book from general sociology textbooks.