Studying Society Today
Chapter 1  Further reading and weblinks

Taylor, S. (ed) (1999) Sociology: issues and debates, Palgrave, Basingstoke
For the absolute beginner in sociology, this provides a basic introduction to the discipline of sociology and its many interests. By seeking to cover the origins, development and current themes for topic areas, it will provide the reader with a resource to 'dip into'. The introduction and the chapter on theory will support the keen student who wants to explore more theoretical issues before he or she reaches Part 4 of our text.

McGrew, A. (1992) 'A Global Society?' in S. Hall, D. Held and T. McGrew (eds) Modernity and its Futures, Polity Press in association with The Open University Press, Cambridge.
This is an interesting summary of the processes and consequences of increasing globalisation. It is not an easy chapter to read without some familiarity with the fundamentals of sociology and its concern with modernity, but a worthwhile read for the more confident A level or first-year undergraduate student. The other three companion volumes, Formations of Modernity, Political and Economic Forms of Modernity and Social and Cultural Forms of Modernity, provide a comprehensive and sophisticated exposition of the development and character of modern societies and of the key debates about modernity and postmodernity.