Why are i-pods and mobile phones fashion accessories? Why do people spend thousands remodelling their perfectly functional kitchen? Why do people crave shoes or handbags? Is our desire for objects unhealthy, or irrational? This book offers a systematic overview of the diverse ways of studying the material as culture.

Joining Together introduces readers to the theory and research needed to understand how to make groups effective and, through exercises and thorough explanations, equips them with the skills required to apply that knowledge to practical situations. Chapters discuss the history of groups and group dynamics, the nature of experiential learning, group goals, communication within groups, leadership, power, decision making, controversy and creativity, and conflict management. More applied chapters...

For courses in Introductory Sociology Sociology empowers students to see the world around them through a sociological lens, helping them better understand their own lives and the world we all share. John Macionis, author of the best-selling Introductory Sociology franchise over the last three decades, takes students step by step through the theories and research that make up the discipline, helping them to find and use the science of social behavior in everyday life. In addition to extensivel...

Long established as the leading textbook on migration and used by students and scholars alike all over the world, this fully revised and updated sixth edition continues to offer an authoritative and cutting-edge account of migration flows, why they occur, and their consequences for both origin and destination societies. International migration is one of the most emotive issues of our times, reforging societies around the world and shaping debates on security, national identity and sovereignty...

Amajor update of an incredibly popular book which explores the everyday issues which all counsellors face, regardless of theoretical orientation.

Drawing on the ideas of Michael White and David Epston, this fully revised, extended and updated Second Edition incorporates the progression of their thinking over the past five years and introduces developments initiated by other narrative therapists worldwide. New material has been added around counseling for post-traumatic reactions, couples conflict and a sense of personal failure.

Quantitative Research for the Qualitative Researcher is a concise text that provides students who are not predisposed to mathematical or scientific thinking with the needed conceptual and practical understanding of quantitative methodology.

With expanded coverage of Fleck and a new section on 'Transformations of the Medical Profession', this updated Third Edition provides students with a sociologically-focussed and theoretically informed introduction

On January 20, 1949 US President Harry S. Truman officially opened the era of development. On that day, over one half of the people of the world were defined as "underdeveloped" and they have stayed that way ever since.

This book explains the origins of development and underdevelopment and shows how poorly we understand these two terms. It offers a new vision for development, demystifying the statistics that international organizations use to measure development and introducing the alternativ...

The fully updated third edition of this bestselling book offers a radical approach to community development. Building on the theories of Gramsci and Freire, new ideas are introduced which offer an inspiring approach to practice for all those committed to social and environmental justice. Neoliberalism has created a dangerous escalation of economic inequalities with inevitable environmental consequences.

Practice needs to be informed by analyses of power, and links are made using international...