What can be gained from introductory sociology? How much an individual student derives from an introductory sociology course depends, of course, upon his curiosity, alertness, and effort. There is, however, much to be gained. The storehouse of sociological knowledge which the scientific approach has produced, and to which additions are being made more rapidly than ever, will be found to contain information as well as understandings which are new to the students. Even material which at first looks like ‘old stuff’ will, when really grasped, be seen in a new light. The result will be a new point of view, a new orientation, and a more reliable understanding of the social environment in which the student lives. Keeping in view the context, the book is divided into following seven sections: • The Foundations of Sociology • Basic Concepts in Sociology • Social Inequality • Social Institutions • Social Change • Perspectives on Indian Society • Social Research This systematic introductory sociology textbook will be useful for students of sociology at all levels, from school to college and university. The book will be extremely useful for the students of professional education who are reading sociology in various courses of law, medicine, nursing, engineering, architecture, journalism, management, education, social work, religion, vocational rehabilitation and others.