The book's objective is to help students develop a skill -- their ability to interpret and analyze situations sociologically.

- Development of student skills and their "sociological eyesight" is facilitated through practice using decision cases, relatively short problem-centered narratives that promote critical thinking.

- The book's structure promotes the progressive and incremental development of skills.

Each chapter in Part I begins with a case. The body of each chapter introduces sociological ideas and concepts by using them to analyze the beginning case. Each chapter concludes with another case so that students can practice the specific skills they have acquired in the chapter, using the chapter's "Sociological Eyesight Analysis Guide." Part II contains additional cases, providing more opportunities for students to practice their skills at interpreting situations sociologically, and solving problems.

An instructor's manual is available to qualified adopters of Sociology in Action. To read the Introduction to the instructor's manual or to view a Sample Course Outline, click on "Additional Materials" in the left column under "About This Book."