Paul Spoonley

This is a 4th edition of New Zealand's leading sociology textbook. The book introduces sociological concepts and methods before investigating key areas of sociology (class, race, gender, family life, health, death, work, the city, populations, technology, religion, leisure and crime) through the New Zealand experience. The book includes many useful pedagogical features: * key word definitions and push text in the margins * key themes highlighted * study questions * further reading * engaging full colour photography * case studies written by working sociologists. This 4th edition has been revised and rewritten throughout by a renewed author team. Key changes include: * data, examples and case studies completely updated * chapters re-ordered and a new chapter on death added to reflect requests from departments using the book as a teaching text * more emphasis on tikanga and kaupapa Maori * refreshed photograph selection with a local focus. Exploring Society is an engaging, comprehensive and up-to-date introduction for New Zealand sociology students.

Loss of jobs, loss of young people, the ageing demographic, the apparently irresistible magnet of Auckland . . . the economic fortunes of New Zealands regions are of great concern to politicians, the business community, schools, employers and indeed most citizens. What is the dynamic at work here? Is there a remedy? Is there a silver lining? What works? What doesnt? What are the smart regions doing that shows promise? This collection of expert articles by planners, demographers and politicians investigates the reasons for population loss and smart new plans and policies that accept that the end of growth does not have to mean the end of prosperity.