The Basics of Sociology: Developing and Applying the Sociological Imagination is a collection of articles, case studies, and data exercises designed to teach students about the sociological perspective and how they can apply and utilize it in everyday life. The anthology contains vital written pieces on public sociology, social theories, the science of sociology, social institutions, and social inequality.

The anthology is divided into three units. The first unit addresses the foundations of the discipline of sociology, exploring social theories, the science of sociology, and deviance and social control. The second unit focuses on social inequality and includes readings on age, class, race, and the institution of work, as well as gender, sexuality, and the family. In the final unit, students learn about demography and world population growth, social movements, and social change.

The second edition features six new readings and exercises on the topics of crime, social theory, and social change; race as a social construct; class, income, and wealth; the social construction of gender; demography and world population growth; and social movements and collective agency.

The Basics of Sociology is cross disciplinary in nature and suitable for foundational courses in sociology.