An Introduction to Sociology

Contents: Preface. 1. Socio-cultural evolution. 2. Culture and society. 3. Social class. 4. Modern society. 5. Branches of sociology. 6. Military sociology. 7. Changing aspects of kinship. 8. Social development and social change. 9. Gerontology. 10. Sociology of health and illness. 11. Public sociology. 12. Social psychology. Index.

"A social system basically consists of two or more individuals interacting directly or indirectly in a bounded situation. There may be physical or territorial boundaries, but the fundamental sociological point of reference is that the individuals are oriented, in a whole sense, to a common focus or inter-related foci. Thus it is appropriate to regard such diverse sets of relationships as small groups, political parties and whole societies as social systems. Social systems are open systems, exchanging information with, frequently acting with reference to other systems." (jacket)