Includes bibliographical references.

Promise of sociology / C.W. Mills -- Invitation to sociology / P.L. Berger -- Manifesto of the Communist Party / K. Marx and F. Engels -- Manifest and latent functions / R.K. Merton -- Body ritual among the Nacirema / H. Miner -- Self / G.H. Mead -- Some principles of stratification / K. Davis & W. Moore -- Uses of poverty, the poor pay all / H. Gans -- Souls of black folk / W.E.B. DuBois -- Characteristics of bureaucracy / M. Weber -- Power elite / C.W. Mills -- Savage inequalities / J. Kozol -- Urbanism as a way of life / L. Wirth -- McDonaldization of society / G. Ritzer -- Glossary.

A ... complement to any Introduction to Sociology text, this reader includes a variety of timeless, well-known selections keyed to introductory sociology topics. Fundamental topics can be explored from their foundations up as the ground-breakers who built the discipline are presented. Thinkers such as Mills, Marx, DuBois, and Goffman are included to give you an understanding of where the discipline got its start. Modern-day classics by luminaries such as Kozol and Ritzer will show you where it's going. -Back cover.