Sociology

Critiques the impact of television and mass media on public discourse, arguing that entertainment values undermine serious communication.

Examines why people are losing their ability to concentrate, exploring societal factors that contribute to distraction and proposing solutions.

Discusses how overprotection and the avoidance of discomfort are leading to increased anxiety and decreased resilience among young people.

Argues that groups are often smarter than individuals, exploring decision-making in collective contexts.

Explores how caste systems shape societies, particularly in the U.S., and their impact on social dynamics.

Analyzes the root causes of political polarization in the U.S., covering psychology, media, and social dynamics.

Critiques philanthropy and the elite’s approach to solving social issues, arguing that it often reinforces inequality.

Explores economic theories applied to unconventional topics, revealing surprising insights about human behavior.

Explores the challenges women face in tech, advocating for empowering women and valuing motherhood in the workplace.

Orwell’s exploration of poverty and class disparities in Northern England, blending social commentary with memoir.

Examines how technological innovations in the Middle Ages affected social structures and economic systems.

Explores the power of introverts in a society that values extroversion, advocating for a balance of personality types in workplaces and schools.

A study of the lives of the Kalahari Bushmen, examining the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and its relevance to human evolution.

Discusses the interconnectedness of the modern world, exploring how networked power reshapes societies and institutions.

Examines why people are obsessed with social status and how it affects mental health and happiness.

Discusses how the internet affects cognitive abilities, including attention span and memory.

Examines the housing crisis in California, discussing the social and economic factors contributing to housing inequality.

Argues that human history and evolution are shaped by cooperative (nonzero-sum) interactions that drive cultural and biological development.

Explores how advertisers capture our attention in an increasingly digital world, discussing the implications on privacy and society.

Explores mimetic desire—how we are influenced by others' wants—and how this shapes personal and cultural decisions.

A journalistic account of life in a Mumbai slum, capturing the harsh realities and aspirations of its residents.

Explores the history of textiles and their impact on technology, trade, and culture.

Examines the cultural and scientific aspects of vaccination, exploring fears and societal impacts of immunization.

Examines the racial disparities in the U.S. criminal justice system and argues that mass incarceration functions as a form of racial control.

A historical analysis of how infectious diseases have shaped societies, cultures, and economies.

A critique of urban planning, advocating for community-driven city design and emphasizing the importance of mixed-use neighborhoods.

A memoir that examines the social and economic struggles of the white working-class in America, especially in Appalachia.

Discusses the role of genetics and social structures in shaping human behavior, advocating for a biological approach to sociology.

Explores societal issues and cultural divides, combining humor and research to offer solutions for improving collective understanding.

Argues that change and progress emerge through evolution rather than design, covering a wide range of fields.

Explores the biological roots of human cooperation, arguing that evolutionary factors influence moral behavior and social cohesion.

Discusses how social media and digital technologies enable collective action and transform society.

Explores how cities drive economic growth, innovation, and cultural development, and argues for urban density.

A study of the history and development of cities, examining their social, cultural, and architectural evolution.

Analyzes economic cycles and societal change, examining periods of inflation and economic crisis throughout history.

Explores how the U.S. is shaping a new global culture, arguing that traditional narratives about Western decline are outdated.

Analyzes how governments attempt to organize societies, often with unintended consequences, and critiques large-scale state planning.

Examines why some nations prosper while others fail, focusing on the role of institutions and political systems.

Imagines what would happen to Earth if humans disappeared, exploring nature's resilience and environmental impact.

Explores how misunderstandings between strangers lead to conflict, using psychology and real-world examples.

A collection of essays capturing the turbulence of the late 1960s and 70s, offering insights into politics, culture, and personal identity.

Analyzes the development of political institutions from pre-human societies to the French Revolution.

Continues the study of political institutions, examining modern state-building and challenges facing democracies.

Explores the relationship between humans and plants, focusing on apples, tulips, marijuana, and potatoes as examples of co-evolution.

Examines the nature of creativity and art as a gift economy, exploring how creativity enriches culture.

Explores the possibility that many of our current beliefs may one day be proven incorrect, challenging our perceptions of certainty.

Chronicles the history of American innovation, exploring the cultural and economic forces that shaped the U.S.

Analyzes different ideological perspectives on society and politics, exploring how these “visions” influence policy and thought.

Examines the economic history of the 20th century, discussing the unprecedented prosperity and challenges of capitalism.

Examines the role of knowledge in decision-making, analyzing how institutions and incentives shape society.

Critiques the progressive intellectual elite, exploring how certain policies can lead to unintended consequences.

A collection of essays examining self-delusion, identity, and culture in the digital age.

Investigates the impact of the fast-food industry on American society, health, and economy.

Investigates the housing crisis in America, focusing on the impact of eviction on families and communities.

Explores the world of open-source software development, discussing challenges and the future of community-driven projects.

Examines human intervention in nature, exploring environmental solutions and their unintended consequences.

Follows the lives of Harvard study participants to explore factors contributing to happiness and health across decades.

Discusses the stages of adult development and how people make sense of the world at each stage.

Examines the challenges adults face as they encounter complex demands in modern life, advocating for developmental growth.

A guide to grassroots organizing, offering tactics for achieving social and political change.

A foundational feminist text analyzing the history and oppression of women and advocating for liberation.

Argues that voters often make irrational decisions, challenging assumptions about democracy.

Examines how economic growth and innovation have led to greater well-being, while also increasing inequality.

A journalist’s firsthand account of working in a private prison, exploring the issues within the U.S. prison system.

Discusses historical cycles in American history and predicts future societal challenges.

Explores Girard’s theories on mimetic desire, scapegoating, and the origins of human culture.

Examines the limitations of modern medicine in dealing with aging and death, advocating for a more humane approach.

Analyzes the development of market economies and the impact of industrialization on society.

Examines how Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies shaped human psychology and culture.

A theory on global conflicts driven by cultural and civilizational divides, predicting future tensions.

Examines how communal values and belonging contribute to well-being, focusing on modern society's challenges.

Examines poverty and class in rural America through the author’s family story, highlighting social and economic challenges.

A critique of media manipulation and the strategies used to influence public perception.

Advocates for a more human-centered approach to politics and society, challenging conventional policies and business practices.

Explores culturally specific mental disorders and beliefs around the world, examining how culture impacts psychology.

A history of debt and economics, challenging conventional views and exploring the relationship between money, morality, and society.

A manifesto for resisting productivity culture, advocating for reclaiming attention and connecting with nature.

Analyzes the impact of digital media on public dissent and the erosion of traditional authority structures.

Discusses how wealth and knowledge production are transforming society and the economy.

Analyzes why some societies fail while others succeed, examining environmental, political, and economic factors.

Explores population growth and resource limitations, advocating for sustainable practices and ecological awareness.

Analyzes how human evolution impacts problem-solving, discussing how society can overcome complex global issues.

Examines how tech companies exploit personal data for profit, raising concerns about privacy and democracy.

Analyzes the decline of democratic norms globally, exploring warning signs and resilience against authoritarianism.

Examines how group identity affects politics, exploring tribalism in America and around the world.

Explores the hidden motives behind human behavior, arguing that much of what we do is driven by self-interest and social signaling.

Discusses the challenges facing capitalism and proposes solutions to address inequality and restore social cohesion.

Examines the science of success, identifying patterns and factors that lead to achievement in various fields.

A comprehensive history of the United States, examining foundational ideals and their evolution over time.

A stark warning about the potential catastrophic effects of climate change on the planet.

Analyzes the current state of Western society, suggesting that stagnation and decadence are threatening progress.

Explores the societal impact of rapid technological change, predicting challenges of the modern, fast-paced world.

Explores the psychological and societal roots of human violence, building on Becker’s theories from *The Denial of Death.*

A classic analysis of American democracy, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and social implications.

A comprehensive overview of medieval European history, culture, and societal structures.

Explores unconventional economic phenomena, providing counterintuitive insights on human behavior and incentives.

A historical analysis of the 20th century, covering events, ideologies, and cultural shifts.

Critiques the concept of mental illness, arguing that it is a social construct rather than a medical condition.

Explores the psychology of dishonesty, examining why people lie and how context influences moral behavior.

Argues that empathy can lead to biased decisions and explores the benefits of rational compassion.

Examines how societies dehumanize enemies, exploring the psychology behind warfare and conflict.

Explores how technology and innovation shape society, examining the role of business in addressing modern challenges.

Argues in favor of nationalism, discussing its importance and benefits in preserving cultural identity and sovereignty.

A comprehensive look at civilizations across history, examining cultural, economic, and societal developments.

Discusses the role of genetics and social structures in shaping human behavior, advocating for a biological approach to sociology.

A philosophical exploration of misogyny, examining its causes, manifestations, and impact on society.

Explores the rise of far-right ideologies globally, focusing on the figures who advocate for “traditionalist” views.

Examines the evolution of marriage, tracing its societal and cultural transformations across history.

Explores the complexities of dating in the modern world, combining humor with research on relationships and technology.

A sociologist’s account of studying a Chicago gang from the inside, providing insights into urban poverty and crime.

Explores how consumer behavior and status-seeking influence our evolutionary psychology.

Discusses the cultural and historical divisions within the United States, proposing that it consists of distinct regional "nations."

Examines how environmental factors subtly influence human behavior and decision-making.

Investigates the psychological effects of inequality and how economic disparity influences health and social behavior.

A critique of technology’s impact on society, examining how mechanization influences human values and behavior.

Analyzes the rise of bureaucratic elites in communist societies, providing a critical perspective on political power.

Advocates for greater freedom of movement across borders, discussing the economic and moral benefits of open immigration policies.

Analyzes the social democratic model, discussing its benefits and challenges in promoting economic equality and growth.

Examines the factors behind rising college costs, analyzing economic and institutional causes.

Examines the growing distrust of expertise in society, discussing its causes and implications for democracy.

Analyzes the rise of public intellectuals and the influence of think tanks in shaping modern political discourse.

Discusses the determinants of population health, advocating for a holistic approach to public health.

Advocates for reforming the U.S. political system to allow for more political diversity and reduce polarization.

Analyzes the ethical dilemmas faced by managers in corporate life, examining how business culture shapes moral behavior.

Studies the decline in crime rates in New York City, exploring policies and environmental factors that contributed to the change.

Uses economic principles to explain everyday life scenarios, illustrating the hidden forces that influence decisions.

Analyzes the effectiveness of higher education in the U.S., highlighting concerns about academic achievement and student learning.

Explores the medical profession, focusing on the culture of error and forgiveness in hospital settings.

Examines how partisanship affects the legislative process in the U.S. Congress, analyzing voting patterns and policymaking.

Explores the world of talent representation in the entertainment industry, discussing the roles of agents and managers.

Examines the relationship between technology and culture, exploring how technological advancements shape society.

Investigates how billionaires influence politics behind the scenes, shaping policy in ways that often go unnoticed.

A classic study on rituals and ceremonies that mark life’s transitions, from birth to death.

Analyzes the growth of scientific knowledge and institutions, examining the differences between "little" and "big" science.

Discusses strategies for overcoming complex conflicts, blending psychological and sociological perspectives.

Analyzes the impact of technology on human evolution, exploring the social implications of technological advancements.

Compares the U.S. and the Roman Empire, arguing that America's current position does not mirror Rome's decline.

Explores virtual economies in online games and their real-world economic impact, examining virtual currency, labor, and trade.

A textbook on social cognition, covering how people perceive, remember, and interpret social information.

Examines the impact of technological change on society, analyzing the cultural and social adaptations to new machines.

Analyzes the development of science since the Babylonian era, exploring its cultural and historical significance.

Chronicles the social and architectural history of English country houses from the medieval to the modern era.

Critiques the American education system and discusses the quality and training of teachers.

Argues against the U.S. Electoral College system, examining its flaws and proposing alternative methods.

Examines the limitations of presidential rhetoric, arguing that speeches often fail to influence public opinion.

Analyzes the social and economic effects of networked information, advocating for a more collaborative digital culture.

Challenges conventional views of civilization, suggesting that early societies may have intentionally resisted state formation.

Explores the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the workforce, discussing ethical and economic implications.

Critiques liberalism, arguing that it has contributed to cultural and social decline despite its promises of freedom and progress.

A non-fiction account of high school football culture in Texas, exploring the social impact of sports on small towns.

Examines the psychology and patterns of driving behavior, discussing the science behind traffic flow and road safety.

Critiques the effects of digital culture on individuality, arguing for a more human-centric approach to technology.

Analyzes the concept of crowdsourcing and how it reshapes industries, innovation, and community.

Explores the psychological basis of morality, explaining why people hold different political and religious beliefs.

A collection of essays on China’s rapid development, covering cultural, economic, and social changes.

Investigates the Church of Scientology, examining its history, beliefs, and controversies.

Analyzes the psychological effects of killing in combat, discussing the impact on soldiers and society.

Analyzes the concept of “underdogs” and explores how disadvantages can become strengths in unexpected ways.

Examines how countries respond to crises, comparing national strategies to personal resilience methods.

Explores the experiences of people who feel “different” in society, examining the social and psychological impacts of being an outsider.

A memoir about the author’s experiences working as a maid, shedding light on poverty and the working class in America.

Explores how truth is used and manipulated, discussing ways to detect and counteract misinformation.

A book on self-esteem, advocating for inner growth as a foundation for social change and empowerment.

Investigates the high-stakes world of youth basketball, exploring its impact on young athletes.

A defense of free speech, examining its importance and challenges in modern society.

A look at the hidden design elements in urban life, revealing the thought and creativity that shape cities.

Analyzes the role of identity politics in contemporary society, examining its impact on democracy and social cohesion.

Investigates the history and ethics of books bound in human skin, exploring themes of mortality and preservation.

Explores the role of African American leaders in the rise of mass incarceration, examining the complex factors that contributed to it.

A meditation on memory, loss, and letting go, discussing the cultural and personal value of forgetting.

Challenges the concept of human progress, arguing that humans are no different from other animals.

Examines the historical and environmental factors that have influenced Western dominance, comparing East and West through the ages.

A portrait of modern China, focusing on the dreams and challenges of its people in an era of rapid change.

Chronicles life in North Korea through the stories of six citizens, revealing the challenges and resilience within a closed society.

A humorous yet insightful exploration of human behavior, focusing on the impact of stupidity on society.

The true story of a soccer team of refugee children in Georgia, illustrating community resilience and cultural integration.

A historical analysis of Europe’s economic and social development prior to industrialization.

Explores the relationship between technology, particularly clocks, and cultural development.

Critiques organized religion and advocates for a secular approach to ethics and spirituality.

A landmark feminist text analyzing the challenges faced by women in the mid-20th century and the “problem that has no name.”

Examines the impact of digital technologies on the economy, job market, and society as a whole.

Examines the science of friendship, highlighting its benefits and the evolutionary role of social bonds.

Critiques Western perceptions of Eastern societies, exploring how cultural biases shape understanding and power dynamics.

An examination of pivotal moments in U.S. history, emphasizing resilience and the fight for national unity.

A powerful narrative about undocumented immigrants in the U.S., giving voice to their experiences and resilience.

Analyzes the shift from oral to written culture, exploring its effects on human thought and society.

Explores the role of myth and narrative in human psychology, focusing on how people make meaning of the world.

Critiques organized religion and argues against the existence of a divine power.

A social and cultural history of America during the 1950s, exploring the decade’s impact on modern society.

A study on empathy, exploring ways to nurture kindness in a divided world.

Argues that global health, education, and human rights have improved significantly in recent decades.

Examines the impact of technology on culture, focusing on human-computer interfaces and digital media.

Examines how power has shifted in the modern world, becoming more distributed and challenging traditional hierarchies.

Examines the political and social causes of the fall of the Roman Republic, drawing parallels to modern governance.

A psychoanalytic exploration of mother-child relationships and the formation of gender identity.

Explores how industries use denial and misinformation to protect profits at the expense of public health and the environment.

Discusses Americans’ disinterest in politics and the desire for non-visible democratic processes.

Explores how economic forces shape employment opportunities across different regions.

Examines modern society from an evolutionary perspective, with insights on improving health and happiness.

A look at post-WWII Germany, examining the social and cultural shifts in the years following the war.

Describes Scotland’s contributions to modern society, from education to industry and democracy.

Compares traditional societies with modern ones, analyzing what we can learn from past practices.

Analyzes political thought in the 20th century, proposing that ideological conflicts were diminishing in influence.

Analyzes the concept of disgust and its influence on human behavior and social norms.

Documents the history and human cost of communist regimes worldwide, presenting case studies and analysis.

Examines how post-WWII Germany remembers the Nazi era and how that memory is split between East and West Germany.

An analysis of preferences and tastes in economics, applying economic principles to understand cultural consumption.

Analyzes why people often conceal their true beliefs in social and political settings.

Discusses educational theories and the role of culture in cognitive development.

Explores cultural phenomena through the lens of anthropology and societal needs.

Analyzes Western art, culture, and sexuality from ancient times to the modern era.

Critiques the overreliance on technology in society and its impact on human values and relationships.

A study of generational cycles in American history, offering insights into social and cultural changes.

Argues that human ingenuity is the ultimate resource, challenging views on population and resource limits.

Expanded version of Simon’s arguments on resources and economic growth.

Analyzes monotheism and its impact on human history, with a focus on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Chronicles the impact of online learning platforms on higher education.

A study of political strategies and voter behavior in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

A pioneering work of sociology, historiography, and economics, analyzing the rise and fall of civilizations.

Examines the luxury nightlife industry and the economics of status and social capital.

Challenges traditional views on democracy, proposing that social identity influences voting behavior.

Examines how social context influences individual economic decisions.

Advocates for reason and open-mindedness in modern academia.

Explores how social media distorts reality and impacts political views.

Explores how societies achieve freedom, stability, and cooperation between the state and citizens.

An exploration of humiliation's role in human behavior and social dynamics.

Explores how social status affects health and lifespan.

Explores human behavior, social connections, and happiness through a fictional narrative.

Discusses masculinity and the social expectations that impact men.

Explores memetics, the study of mental viruses and how ideas spread through society.

Examines how modern civilization affects human well-being, questioning if it’s better than the lives of our ancestors.

A humorous look at American culture, examining the divide between populism and elitism.

Explores human behavior, social connections, and happiness through a fictional narrative.

Examines immigration, identity, and the cultural shifts in modern Europe.

Discusses the rise of precarious employment and its social and economic implications.

Explores the history of eugenics in America and its impact on immigration policies.

Examines the impact of the 2008 recession on a small town in Wisconsin and the resilience of its people.

Classic exploration of the psychology of crowds and group behavior.

Overview of American life and transformation between the 1900s and 1950s.

Exploration of economics through the lens of family and care work.

Exploration of the impact of welfare dependency and social policies on impoverished communities.

Critique of modern culture and its decline in values.

Analysis of the growing female workforce in Muslim-majority countries.

Analysis of societal conformity and psychological health.

Discusses the challenges of free speech in modern society.

Chronicles the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North.

Investigation into psychopathy and the mental health industry.

Analysis of political violence and the factors that lead to rebellion.

Explores the role of play in culture and society, arguing that it is a fundamental aspect of human nature.

Examines how information affects society and suggests how people can use it effectively.

Analyzes the socioeconomic factors impacting America’s white working class.

Examines how identity politics and social trends shape modern society.

Explores what distinguishes humans from other animals, with a focus on evolution.

Examines the role of photography in social media and self-expression.

Analysis on why certain technological advancements haven't materialized.

Analysis of declining social capital in America.

History of pre-industrial England and societal transformations.

Memoir of education, identity, and assimilation.

Story about the influence of technology on personal lives and society.

Historical analysis of the rise and fall of empires.

Analysis of nationalism and the formation of collective identity.

Comprehensive history of the world's most devastating events and atrocities.

Critique of the role and influence of intellectuals in modern society.

Exploration of how the internet changes human relationships and knowledge.

Examination of how social coordination and rituals influence human behavior and decisions.

Collection of interviews capturing the experiences and perspectives of American workers.

Collection of first-person accounts of the Industrial Revolution.

Insights on how individuals and communities can build resilience in the face of adversity.

Examination of the world of professional poker and its high-stakes players.

Discussion on U.S. immigration policy, dispelling myths and examining policy impacts.

Sociological examination of Jewish integration into Western society and its challenges.

Classic study of the English working class and its political and social development.

Comprehensive overview of theories and concepts in social science.

Analysis of modern science and technology and its social implications.

Seminal work on anthropology and understanding cultural symbols.

Exploration of meaningless jobs and their social impact.

Visionary ideas on reimagining the education system for modern needs.

Analysis of the diminishing role of facts in public life and its consequences.

Examines the pressures and sacrifices involved in competitive youth sports.

Examination of the modern American right-wing movement.

Examines the rise of managers as a dominant social class.

Memoir capturing the lives of American communists.

Explores the history of Freemasonry.

Classic work on the ways people respond to dissatisfaction in organizations.

Investigates the impact of tourism on communities and the environment.