Sociology, often referred to as the “science of society,” delves deep into the understanding of human behavior, social structures, and the dynamics of our interconnected world. It offers invaluable insights into the complexities of human society and the factors that shape it.
If you are looking to explore this captivating field or expand your knowledge of sociology, here is a curated list of some of the best books to read on sociology. These sociology books cover a great many humanistic subjects, from the investigation of society and social change to the assessment of the human way of behaving and foundations. In this article, you will discover everything about the best books to read on sociology. Whether you are a student of sociology or keen on understanding society better, these sociology books are fundamental readings in the field.
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The Sociological Imagination by C. Wright Mills
Published in 1959, The Sociological Imagination by C. Wright Mills remains a seminal work in sociology. Mills argues that understanding society requires connecting personal experiences to larger social forces. This book explains to its readers how to think critically about how their lives are influenced by societal structures/institutions.
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The Elementary Forms of Religious Life by Emile Durkheim
Emile Durkheim, one of the prominent figures of sociology, explores the role of religion in human societies. The Elementary Forms of Religious Life is truly a classic work that provides a deep understanding of how religious beliefs or rituals can help, shape, and stabilize different societies.
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The Stranger by Albert Camus
This is a thought-provoking sociology book. The Stranger takes its readers on an amazing journey to explore the absurdity of human existence. The author of this novel fantastically highlights existentialism, alienation, and the human condition in a sociological context. The Stranger is yet another one of the best books to read on sociology.
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The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life by Erving Goffman
Erving Goffman’s, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is a pioneering exploration of symbolic interactionism. Erving’s amazing piece of work explains how people create and maintain social identities through daily interactions. The book also explains how this contributes to the formation of social reality in society.
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The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell
The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell offers a powerful yet vivid account of the everyday living environments of regular workers in modern Britain during the 1930s. The book also serves as an eye-opening and sociologically critical piece of social discourse. The Road to Wigan Pier is also one of the best books to read on sociology.
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The Social Animal by Elliot Aronson
The Social Animal by Elliot provides an engaging introduction to the field of social psychology. This book explores how human behavior is mainly influenced by the social environment. The author also sheds light on the many ways in which we are shaped by society. The Social Animal is one of the best books to read on sociology.
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Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America by Barbara Ehrenreich
In Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich takes on a daring experiment by working low-wage jobs to explore the struggles and hardships faced by America’s working poor. This work offers a compelling perspective on class and economic inequality. The Nickel and Dimed is one of the best books to read on sociology.
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The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
While not exclusively a sociological text, Adam Smith’s, The Wealth of Nations is an influential work that mainly revolves around the subjects of society, capitalism, and economic entities. It is a fundamental text for grasping financial humanism and the elements of market frameworks.
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The Spirit Catches You and You Fall by Anne Fadiman
This non-fiction book by Anne Fadiman recounts the narrative of a Hmong child with epilepsy and the social conflicts between her family’s traditional beliefs and Western medication. The book fills in as a contextual analysis of clinical human science, featuring the significance of cultural competence, social skills, and figuring out healthcare.
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The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs
Jane Jacobs challenges conventional urban planning in this influential book. She contends that flourishing, local community areas are essential for a healthy society. Jacobs’ work gives a basic point of view on the metropolitan turn of events and the significance of local networks. This is also one of the best books to read on sociology.
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The Power Elite by C. Wright Mills
In The Power Elite, by C. Wright Mills investigates the concentration of power and influence of the privileged ones in the society. He discusses the interconnectedness of political, monetary, and military elites, revealing insight into the secret powers molding social structures. The Power Elite is yet another of the best books to read on sociology.
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The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
Richard Rothstein’s book provides a historical perspective on systemic and government-sponsored segregation in the United States. He meticulously explores the role of government policies in perpetuating racial disparities in housing and urban development. This also falls on the list of the best books to read on sociology.
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Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond
Matthew Desmond’s research on eviction in low-income communities in the United States offers a poignant view of the housing crisis and its impact on vulnerable populations. The book, evicted highlights the complex relationship between poverty and housing instability. This is also one of the best books to read on sociology.
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Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam
Robert D. Putnam’s book digs into the downfall of social capital and community commitment in American culture. He contends that individuals are progressively becoming detached from each other, prompting the debilitating of local area bonds. Putnam also suggests the results of this pattern and proposes ways of renewing social associations.
Well, we hope this article helped you learn about the best books to read on sociology. What are your thoughts about these books? Share your thoughts and views in the comments section!