I : The Field of Sociology
1. Defining sociology
2. Theoretical perspectives in sociology
II. The Foundations of Society
3. Methods of research in sociology
4. Culture
5. Socialization
6. Social interaction
7. Types of societies and groups
8. Deviance and social control
III. Social Inequality
9. Social stratification
10. Minorities and weaker sections
IV. Social Institutions
11. The family
12. The political economy
13. Educational system
14. Religion
V. Social Change
15. Population and urbanization
16. Collective behaviour and social movements
17. Social change, environment, and sustainable development

This revised and updated edition of the highly successful sociology textbook, Contemporary Sociology, continues to throw light on key issues and concerns of present-day society. M. Francis Abraham's vast experience and extensive research cuts across conventional themes and geographical boundaries to include: -Theoretical perspectives and research methods -Key concepts and theories -Relevant issues in education, economy, politics, population, stratification, minorities, urbanization, and environment -Social institutions, organizations, and recent trends of change -Examples drawn from numerous cultural contexts This second edition introduces the following new concepts in a comparative perspective: -Theoretical perspectives in a global age -Crystallization of social interaction -Race, gender, and stratification -New social movements -Gender and deviance -Women's movements and caste-oriented movement The crucial topics of modern-day sociology such as gender, race, lifestyle changes, ecological issues, and domestic violence are explained separately, distinguishing the book from general sociology