Join the conversation with one of sociology's best-known thinkers. Essentials of Sociology, Second Edition adapted from Ritzer's Introduction to Sociology, Third Edition, provides the same rock-solid foundation in a shorter and more streamlined format. Like the original Ritzer text, Essentials of Sociology illuminates traditional sociological concepts and theories, and focuses on some of the most compelling contemporary social phenomena: globalization, consumer culture, the Internet, and the "McDonaldization" of society. As technology flattens the globe, students are challenged to apply a sociological perspective to their world, and to see how "public" sociologists are engaging with the critical issues of today. Contributor to the SAGE Teaching Innovations and Professional Development Award Find out more at www.sagepub.com/sociologyaward Interactive eBook also available--FREE when bundled with the print version! Your students save when you bundle the new edition with the interactive eBook version. Order using bundle ISBN 978-1-5063-4017-3. Learn more. Take a Tour of the Interactive eBook