Sociology, Unplugged

A Concise Guide to Contemporary Sociology

Phil Zuckerman

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English

Routledge
02 September 2025

Social classes; Gender studies, gender groups; Ethnic studies; Social theory

This concise, clear, accessible book is meant to truly engage students by using personal stories, solid research, and key theories that illustrate how sociologists look at life, the way we understand social dynamics, what “socially constructed” means, and how a sociological sensibility can, ultimately, be liberating.

With engaging stories, provocative historical examples, compelling case studies, and key theoretical insights, this cogent “anti-textbook”, written by leading sociologist Phil Zuckerman, introduces students to the discipline of sociology. Sociology, Unplugged covers foundational concepts – from socialization, dramaturgy, and intersectionality to deviance, social change, and sociological methodology – in a way that avoids the heavy-handedness of typical intro texts. Unique contributions of this volume include: an explicit exploration of social construction; consistent inclusion of race, class, and gender and their intersections; the centralizing of W.E.B. Du Bois as the key founder of American sociology; a sociological exploration of sex and sexuality; attention to transgender identity; an incorporation of insights from Peter Berger; and a cogent introduction to sociological methods, all written in a voice that is student friendly.

This book is a vital and dynamic essential resource for instructors and students in foundational level sociology, social theory, and culture and society courses. This text is especially designed to be an accessible springboard to undergraduate reading and study of introductory sociology in a “one-stop” manner: if you only read one sociology book, you'll want to read this one!

By: Phil Zuckerman
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
Weight: 230g
ISBN: 9781041064428
ISBN 10: 104106442X
Pages: 112
Publication Date: 02 September 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Phil Zuckerman is Professor of Sociology at Pitzer College, and the founding chair of the nation’s first Secular Studies Program. He is the author of several books, including What It Means to Be Moral, The Nonreligious, Living the Secular Life, Faith No More, and Society Without God, and the editor of several volumes, including The Oxford Handbook of Secularism and The Social Theory of W.E.B. Du Bois.

Reviews for Sociology, Unplugged: A Concise Guide to Contemporary Sociology

“Sociology, Unplugged is unlike any other introductory book on the market. Zuckerman has composed an ideal anti-text for instructors who can’t stomach traditional textbooks.” Scott R. Harris, Saint Louis University, author of Invitation to the Sociology of Emotions (2e, 2024) “Thoughtful, accessible, and entertaining, Sociology, Unplugged will get students to turn off their phones and pay attention.” Arlene Stein, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Rutgers University “Each chapter opens with a real life story and then proceeds to demonstrate how sociological approaches and concepts enable us to understand our own lives and the world around us at a much deeper level. The result is elegant and captivating.” Azamat Junisbai, Professor of Sociology, Pitzer College “Zuckerman's conversational style and lack of jargon create an eminently readable and enjoyable text. This text would be excellent for all Introduction to Sociology classes but as a community college professor, I am especially confident that Zuckerman's approachable and relatable style will be of particular benefit to my students.” Amatzya Mezahav, Associate Professor of Sociology, Flathead Valley Community College