Social Problems, 9th edition

Published by Pearson (January 25, 2024) © 2025

  • John J. Macionis Kenyon College

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ISBN-13: 9780138102708 (2024 update)

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Purchasing Instructions

This form contains two groups of radio buttons, one for Exam Pack purchasing options, and one for standard purchasing options. Only one option can be chosen for purchase. Any option that is selected will deselect any previously selected purchase option.

eTextbook access on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780138102708 (2024 update)

Unlock extra study tools in 19 subjects

eTextbook access + Study & Exam Prep monthly subscription on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780138102708 (2024 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

eTextbook on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780138102708 (2024 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

eTextbook on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780138102708 (2024 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

Title overview

Social Problems focuses on how people construct problems, and how they develop potential solutions, based on their political attitudes. Encouraging readers to develop their own positions, author John Macionis helps you attain the knowledge to engage in solving social problems through activism and political discussion.

The 9th Edition has been updated to reflect the events, trends and policy changes that are transforming society. Contemporary topics include the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transgender revolution’s impact on how we think about sex and gender. An updated chapter wholly dedicated to social media emphasizes how this important form of communication and culture impacts society.

Table of contents

Part 1: Sociology’s Basic Approach

  1. Sociology: Studying Social Problems

Part 2: Problems of Social Inequality

  1. Economic Inequality
  2. Racial and Ethnic Inequality
  3. Gender Inequality
  4. Sexuality and Inequality
  5. Aging and Inequality

Part 3: Problems of Deviance, Conformity and Well-Being

  1. Crime, Violence and Criminal Justice
  2. Alcohol and Other Drugs
  3. Physical and Mental Health

Part 4: Problems of Social Institutions

  1. Social Media
  2. Economy and Politics
  3. Work and the Workplace
  4. Family Life
  5. Education
  6. Urban Life

Part 5: Global Problems

  1. Population and Global Inequality
  2. Technology and the Environment
  3. War and Terrorism

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