Sociology In Our Times - Hardcover

Diana Kendall is Professor of Sociology at Baylor University, where she has been recognized as an Outstanding Professor. She has taught a variety of courses, including Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Theory (undergraduate and graduate), Sociology of Medicine, Sociology of Law, and Race, Class, and Gender. Previously, she enjoyed many years of teaching sociology and serving as chair of the Social and Behavioral Science Division at Austin Community College. Dr. Kendall's areas of specialization and primary research interests are sociological theory and the sociology of medicine. Her textbooks include SOCIOLOGY IN OUR TIMES: THE ESSENTIALS (Cengage Learning, 2016), THE POWER OF GOOD DEEDS: PRIVILEGED WOMEN AND THE SOCIAL REPRODUCTION OF THE UPPER CLASS (Rowman & Littlefield, 2002), MEMBERS ONLY: ELITE CLUBS AND THE PROCESS OF EXCLUSION (Rowman & Littlefield, 2008), and FRAMING CLASS: MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF WEALTH AND POVERTY IN AMERICA, 2nd Edition (Rowman & Littlefield, 2012). Actively involved in national and regional sociological associations, she is a member of the American Sociological Association, Sociologists for Women in Society, the Society for the Study of Social Problems, and the Southwestern Sociological Association. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, where she was invited to membership in Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

"Overall, the text is nicely written, and it is written at an appropriate level for first and second year students. It could be used successfully at a fairly wide range of colleges and universities. The ratio of graphics to written material also seems appropriate. The typeface, font size and design are all well done and give the book a fine, professional appearance."

"I am pleased with the author's numerous efforts throughout the text to place sociological topics in a global perspectiv--for example, "The Importance of a Global Sociological Imagination" (pg. 7), "The Importance of culture in a Changing World" (pg. 67), and "Why is Socialization Important Around the Globe?" (pg. 101)"

"The placement of "Sociology In Everyday Life" in the early part of the each chapter compliments the "Lived Experience" vignettes and "Questions and Issues" to peak the students' interest in the chapter topics"

"My review of introductory sociology texts indicates that Kendall is superior to any other in the treatment of race, class, and gender. Those concepts are thoroughly integrated into all of the chapters,leaving the reader with a sense of their importance in all aspects of society and social life. Reinforcing these concepts is the author's use of contemporary research by women and minorities, which should make the reader aware that many contributions to sociology are being made by women and minorities."

"I think Kendall's writing is more engaging and attractive than Macionis. I agree with some students that his (Macionis) writing is rather dry and boring. Kendall's writing is more lively and the book is much more simple than Macionis'."