Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials, Eighth Edition, uses real-life stories, told by the people who have lived them, as well as familiar themes such as the American Dream, body image, the environment, and fake news media to introduce you to the study of sociology and engage your sociological imagination, a vital resource you may not know you have. Kendall shows you how sociology is at work in our society and can be applied to everyday life and to the pressing social issues we face. Every chapter even includes a guide to how you can make a positive difference in both your immediate and extended communities.