This textbook describes the process of sociocultural evolution, whereby human experience in major areas of life such as societies, cultures and human relationships have become increasingly complex. Societies are classified as hunting and gathering, horticultural, agricultural, industrial, and post industrial, according to their level of cultural complexity, technological development, and scientific knowledge about the world. The volume describes and explains changing human relationships in major spheres of social life with particular emphasis on roles, values, power, and conflict. The spheres of social life include: (1) economic; (2) political; (3) familial; (4) educational; and (5) religious. The text is organized into 13 chapters with a prologue and an epilogue. Tables are included to summarize complicated ideas or complex information. Each chapter has a built-in study guide with objectives, major topics, glossary, a practice test with review questions, and a section for "Applying Sociology." The book is divided into three parts. Part I, "Sociology: Definition, Theories, Methods, Language" is divided into four chapters: (1) "What is Sociology?"; (2) "Models and Methods"; (3) "The Language of Sociology: Social Stability"; and (4) "The Language of Sociology: Social Change." Part II, "Human Societies: Major Social Trends" contains four chapters: (5) "Human Societies"; (6) "Urbanization, Population, Environment"; (7) "Deviance"; and (8) "Minorities." Part III, "Major Institutions" contains five chapters: (9) "Families"; (10) "Economies and Inequality"; (11)"Power and Politics"; (12) "Education"; and (13) "Religion." (EH)