"The articles in this carefully edited anthology for introductory sociology demonstrate the significance of sociology in everyday life and show that what seems 'obvious' is often not-so-obvious when subjected to sociological analysis. As with previous editions, this revision includes a range of styles and examples that reflect common experiences and phenomena, important social issues and problems, the relationship between the individual and society, and a sociological perspective on specific historic events. One overarching theme, represented by the metaphor of 'architecture' in the title, is that as social beings, we are constantly building and rebuilding our social environments. Many readings are based on research done in the past five years, and others are sociological classics."-- Back cover.