This first edition is a new low-cost, condensed version of Sociology: A Brief Introduction, Fifth Edition. The smaller size, readability, and highly-focused coverage of Sociology Matters are designed to appeal to instructors who rely on several texts as reading materials rather than a single comprehensive textbook. Sociology Matters features newly written chapter introductions and a "How does sociology matter?" theme throughout. It is simpler in design in both pedagogy and the use of illustrative materials. With this paperback and other readings, students will find out why sociology matters.