Now in its eigthteenth edition, Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society approaches its study from a common sense perspective, rather than a formalistic perspective more common in social science texts. Readers will see how seemingly diverse disciplines intermingle and connect to one another--anthropology and economics, for example. The goal of the book is to teach students critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will allow them to approach social issues in an objective and informed way.

New to this edition are significant updates on:

• Debates about the limits of democracy, and the developing Chinese political alternative.
• Political, economic, and social implications of the Covid pandemic.
• Assessment of the Donald Trump presidency.
• Political, economic, and social implications of the movement from the Trump presidency to the Biden presidency.
• Implications of the multitrillion-dollar budget deficits the US government has been running.
• The emergence of populist movements throughout the world.
• The Chinese political and economic challenge to the United States.
• Recent developments in evolution theory.
• Examples, data, recommended readings, and Internet questions.
• Critical thinking questions.