Accessible and up-to-date, the Seventh Edition of SOCIOLOGY IN OUR TIMES: THE ESSENTIALS, Seventh Edition, builds on the best of previous editions while offering new insights, learning tools, and opportunities to apply the content of each chapter to relevant sociological issues of the twenty-first century. Acclaimed in the field for her book's groundbreaking integration of race, class, and gender issues, Kendall continues her focus on diversity and inequality, emphasizing social consciousness and active participation in bettering the world around us. Compelling examples, a vivid writing style, and chapter themes grounded in timely social issues already familiar to readers get them involved in sociology and show them how they can make a difference in their own communities.