Find Yourself in the Fascinating

Fascinating stories sell students on sociology

Terrible Magnificent Sociology weaves compelling stories (from hermits to amnesiacs to cannibalism) throughout the chapters to draw students into sociology and teach key concepts in a memorable way.

A new canon celebrates the diversity of sociology

Terrible Magnificent Sociology Introduces readers to a diverse group of scholars, including lesser-known and marginalized people who have shaped the discipline, particularly women, immigrants, and people of color. Students will see themselves reflected not just in what sociologists study, but in who sociologists are.

Inclusive coverage explores inequalities beyond race, class, and gender

In addition to thorough coverage of race, class, and gender, Terrible Magnificent Sociology addresses inequalities based on sexual orientation, disability, age, body size, attractiveness, color, and citizenship status—and their many intersections.

“Lisa’s writing style is an intervention into student disengagement and hopelessness under the strains of late capitalism. There is an energy and hopefulness that makes even me (a cynical, middle-aged curmudgeon) feel like all is not lost and that social change is possible and worth fighting for.”

—Carla A. Pfeffer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies, University of South Carolina

“Wade’s text is an innovative approach to teaching sociology. It contains the core terminology we want our students to know, while giving a voice to scholars and perspectives which are usually saved for the “critical perspectives” day at the end of a particular section, if taught at all. It reads like you’re having a conversation with someone in the hall, rather than being lectured to.”

—Dr. Holly Ningard, Ohio University

“Lisa Wade’s introductory sociology textbook is groundbreaking. Someone has finally decided to shake things up and break the traditional mold with entry level sociology material. It reads like a trade book but does not skimp on quality. This could be the book we need to pull young, hungry minds into the field.”

—Jason S. Ulsperger, Arkansas Tech University

“I would describe the text as a mother-flippin’ revolution. It is unlike any other intro textbook I’ve encountered, yet it does a brilliant job of covering all the bases.”

—Amanda Fehlbaum, Youngstown State University

Terrible Magnificent Sociology represents a new kind of introduction to sociology. Each chapter builds on the one before it, with Wade returning to important concepts in a way that will make them "stickier" for students.

Introduction: The Science of Social Facts

• In the book’s introduction (and corresponding online tutorial), Wade explains that sociology is the science of social facts and presents a short history of the discipline, touches on a few key founders, and introduces the concept of standpoint theory.

Chapter 1: The Self

Chapter 2: Culture and Construction

Chapter 3: Our Identities

Chapter 4: People in Interaction

Chapter 5: Deviance and Defiance

Chapter 6: Organizations, Institutions, and Structures

Chapter 7: Economic Inequality

Chapter 8: Institutional Racism