This book is required by the college where I teach, otherwise I would not use it in class. It's poorly researched. Information is presented in sweeping generalizations. The authors never discuss the nature and scope of sociological research. As a result, studies that merely "suggest" certain trends are given equal weight and emphasis as more rigorous, conclusive research. In many chapters, the authors contradict themselves from one page to the next. As a college instructor, I have had find extensive supplementary material to correct many of the mistakes in this text.Another issue of importance for college students is the cost of this barely useful text. This looseleaf edition, while inconvenient (yes, you need a binder), is significantly cheaper than the hardcover edition. If you are required by your school to waste your money on this book, it makes sense to purchase the cheaper edition.