Social science : an introduction to the study of society / Elgin F. Hunt, David C. Colander

Includes bibliographical references and index

-- Social science and its methods -- Historical roots of social science -- Human origins -- Origins of western society -- Society, culture, and cultural change -- Geography, demography, ecology, and society -- Technology and society -- Psychology, society, and culture -- Deviance, crime, and society -- The family -- Religion -- Education -- Social and economic stratification -- Stratification, minorities, and discrimination -- The functions and forms of government -- Government of the world -- Democratic government in the United States -- The organization of economic activities -- The economy, government, and economic challenges facing the United States -- International political relations -- International economic relations -- The political economies of developing countries -- International institutions and the search for peace

Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society approaches social science from a common-sense perspective, rather than from a formalistic social science angle. Readers will see how seemingly diverse disciplines intermingle - anthropology and economics, for example. The goal of the book is to teach students critical thought and problem-solving skills that will allow them to approach social issues in an unbiased manner.