Rethinking Society in the 21st Century is a unique collection of readings that fills a critical void in introductory sociology in Canada. The third edition has been thoroughly updated with 24 new chapters that complement the chapters retained from previous editions.

Rethinking Society introduces students to the foundational elements of sociology with a balance of classical theory — Marx, Webber, Durkheim, Mills — and more contemporary approaches found in the work of Michel Foucault, Dorothy Smith, and George Sefa Dei. Building on this theoretical grounding, the text outlines core concepts in sociology — socialization, social interaction, and culture — as well as major social institutions such as families, the economy and labour, education, and health care. Later sections address crime, moral regulation, race, class, age, gender, sexuality, and issues of population and globalization with relevant and engaging chapters chosen to provoke thought and discussion.

With a diverse selection of authors and a pronounced emphasis on Canadian content, Rethinking Society in the 21st Century is the ideal reader for Canadian students.

Michelle Webber is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Brock University.

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Kate Bezanson is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at Brock University.

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"There is nothing I am aware of for introductory sociology students that does this kind of critical sociology from a Canadian perspective. I particularly liked the classical and contemporary theory chapters."— “Gillian Balfour, Trent University