The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology is published in both print and online. Arranged across eleven volumes in A-Z format, it is the definitive reference source for students, researchers, and academics in the field. This ground-breaking project brings together specially commissioned entries written and edited by an international team of the world's best scholars and teachers. It provides: Clear, concise, expert definitions and explanations of the key concepts An essential reference for expert and newcomer alike, with entries ranging from short definitions of key terms to extended explorations of major topics Materials that have historically defined the discipline, but also more recent developments, significantly updating the store of sociological knowledge Introductions to sociological theories and research that have developed outside of the United States and Western Europe Sophisticated cross-referencing and search facilities Timeline, lexicon by subject area, bibliography, and index