The Riddles of Human Society

You are here

The Sage website, including book and journal ordering services, may be unavailable due to system maintenance between Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December. If you need assistance please contact us. Thank you for your patience and we apologise for the inconvenience.

Conrad L. Kanagy - Elizabethtown College, US
Donald B. Kraybill - Messiah College

Other Titles in:
Sociology

400 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

This textbook uses the `riddles' metaphor to introduce social analysis and to communicate the critical, questioning aspects of sociology which are at the heart of its tradition. The book teaches the student how to be aware of the social `riddles' around them and how to solve those riddles using sociological analysis. Case studies, in-depth social analysis, illustrations and discussion questions make it the perfect book for active learning.

Introduction

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL RIDDLES

The Exploration of Social Riddles

PART TWO: SOCIOLOGICAL THINKING

The Perspectives of Sociology

The Concepts of Sociology

The Methods of Sociology

PART THREE: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS IN SOCIOLOGY

Culture

The Software of Social Life

Structure

The Architecture of Social Life

Ritual

The Drama of Social Life

PART FOUR: CASE STUDIES OF SOCIAL RIDDLES

Micro Riddles

Macro Riddles

PART FIVE: THE GRAND RIDDLE

The Riddle of Human Freedom

A Guide for Exploring Social Riddles

Guidelines for a Socioautobiography

Socioautobiography Samples

Preview this book

◀▶➕➖

Conrad L. Kanagy

Conrad L. Kanagy received his Ph.D. from Penn State and is now an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA. His research interests include race and ethnicity, religion, and the environment, and he teaches Discovering Society, Sociology of Religion, Population and Global Issues, Research Methods and Statistics. More About Author

Donald B. Kraybill

Donald B. Kraybill received his Ph.D. from Temple University and is currently Provost of Messiah College in Grantham, PA. He holds numerous teaching and research awards and is the author of over a dozen books, including The Riddle of Amish Culture, an international best seller More About Author

For instructors

Sage Reference and Academic Books offers seamless access to essential Sage and CQ Press reference works. The platform brings together leading handbooks, encyclopedias, and scholarly books across the social sciences – all in one easy-to-navigate place for teaching, learning, and research.

Find out more