Interrogating the Global Social Challenges

How can sociological thinking help us make sense of today's biggest global challenges?

In what is understood as an age of crisis, headlines are dominated by topics such as climate change, migration, radicalisation, and inequality. These topics are core to sociology, yet sociological insights are frequently drowned out in public debate dominated by technological optimism, economic rhetoric, or polarising politics.

This accessibly written textbook centres the sociological voice. It demonstrates how evidence-based, critical perspectives can illuminate the causes, interconnections, and possible solutions to some of the most urgent issues of our time.

Each chapter is crafted to support students new to sociology, guiding them to think critically and make connections between complex global problems. Key pedagogical features include:

• Clear statements of key messages at the start of each chapter;
• Bold-highlighted definitions of sociological terms with minimal jargon;
• 'Focus point' boxes with data, case studies, or visual insights;
• Suggested sources for further exploration, including videos and online media.

Essential reading for undergraduate students and anyone working in policy, advocacy, or social change—offering the tools to think critically, act thoughtfully, and engage with today's most pressing global challenges.