Accessible and up-to-date, the Seventh Edition of SOCIOLOGY IN OUR TIMES: THE ESSENTIALS, Seventh Edition, builds on the best of previous editions while offering new insights, learning tools, and opportunities to apply the content of each chapter to relevant sociological issues of the twenty-first century. Acclaimed in the field for being first to integrate race, class, and gender issues, Kendall continues her focus on diversity and inequality, emphasizing social consciousness and active participation in bettering the world around us. Compelling examples, a vivid writing style, and chapter themes grounded in timely social issues already familiar to students get students involved in sociology by showing them how they can make a difference in their own communities. Among its other changes, the Seventh Edition includes a new "Sociology Works!" feature; new assignable "Reflect & Analyze" questions that conclude selected features; two new photo essays, each with new assignable video activities; a vibrant new interior design; improved concept review tables; and more photos and illustrations, making this text the most up-to-date, applications-oriented introduction to sociology available.