"This concise text carries the public sociology movement into the classroom and teaches students to think sociologically, to develop a sociological eye, and to use sociological tools to become effective participants in a democratic society. Students gain hands-on training in sociology while experiencing civic engagement within their own communities." "This is an affordable supplement or brief core text for courses in which the instructor wishes to include a public sociology component, particularly Introduction to Sociology, Principles of Sociology, Social Problems, or Applied Sociology."--Jacket.