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Sociology Books

Explore the depths of human society and social behaviour in our extensive Sociology section. From theories and structures, to issues of globalisation and inequality, our selection offers insightful reads for both casual learners and seasoned sociologists. Delve into pivotal works that examine the narratives shaping our societies today.

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The Baby Farmers
Just Arrived
Annie Cossins | Allen & Unwin Australia

The Baby Farmers

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.46

$9.90

67% off est. retail
If you like true crime that digs into the social world behind the horror, this is a gripping read. It is not just about a notorious case, but about poverty, women’s desperation, and the silence of a whole society. Readers who enjoy vivid historical detail and unsettling real-life courtroom drama will find it especially absorbing.
Water Frontier: Commerce and the Chinese in the Lower Mekong Region, 1750-1880
Li Tana, Nola Cooke  | Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

Water Frontier: Commerce and the Chinese in the Lower Mekong Region, 1750-1880

$29.90 $9.90 67% off

Goodreads rating: 4.67

$29.90 $9.90 67% off

85% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by how trade shapes history, "Water Frontier" might just be your next page-turner. It offers a fresh perspective on Indochina's past, focusing on a time when economic networks transcended national boundaries. Particularly noteworthy is its illumination of the Chinese diaspora's pivotal role in regional trade, making it a compelling read for those interested in the intricate blend of commerce, culture, and migration.
Conspiracy of Silence: Queensland's Frontier Killing Times
Timothy Bottoms, Raymond Evans  | Allen & Unwin

Conspiracy of Silence: Queensland's Frontier Killing Times

$11.90 $5.90 50% off

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$11.90 $5.90 50% off

88% off est. retail
This book could resonate with you if you're into Australian history or seeking to understand the true and often unspoken costs of colonial expansion. Timothy Bottoms doesn't shy away from the gritty, uncomfortable truths that led to the formation of modern Queensland, taking a deep dive into an era that's frequently glossed over. If you appreciate thorough research paired with a pursuit for justice and historical accuracy, "Conspiracy of Silence" could offer you a stark yet necessary perspective.
China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power - Thryft
Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn  | Times Books/random House

China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

90% off est. retail
If you’re intrigued by the evolution of global powers, “China Wakes” offers a deep dive into the complexities of China's ascension. The reporters take you through the multifaceted societal changes with a level of detail that's personal yet panoramic. It's as eye-opening as it is enlightening, providing a snapshot of a pivotal time in China’s history. This book may change the way you see China and its place in the world.
Superstitions - Thryft
Peter Haining | Treasure House

Superstitions

$8.68 $3.90 55% off

Goodreads rating: 3.0

$8.68 $3.90 55% off

If you're intrigued by the quirks of human belief and enjoy delving into the peculiar traditions that have shaped cultures around the globe, Peter Haining's "Superstitions" will provide you with a treasure trove of fascinating rituals and myths. It's a charming read that entertains as much as it informs, perfect for those who find pleasure in the strange and the historical.
Wartime: Understanding and Behavior in the Second World War - Thryft

Wartime: Understanding and Behavior in the Second World War

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

87% off est. retail
If you've ever wondered how the ordinary soldier or civilian experienced World War II beyond the battle tactics and political strategies, "Wartime" is an illuminating read. Paul Fussell's personal engagement in the war provides a narrative filled with depth, exploring the changes in social psyche, language, and literature caused by the conflict. This book isn't just about what happened, but how it felt and altered the inner lives and cultural expression of those who lived through it.
A Social History of English Cricket - Thryft
Derek Birley | Aurum Press

A Social History of English Cricket

$10.71 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.74

$10.71 $3.90 64% off

If you're a cricket enthusiast or a fan of sports history, "A Social History of English Cricket" would be a compelling read for you. Derek Birley takes you beyond scores and statistics, diving into how cricket has shaped and been shaped by English society. It's the kind of book that can deepen your appreciation for the game by showing its place in the larger cultural tapestry.
Americans of 1776: Daily Life in Revolutionary America - Thryft
James Schouler | Heritage Books, Inc

Americans of 1776: Daily Life in Revolutionary America

$20.90 $4.90 77% off

Goodreads rating: 2.6

$20.90 $4.90 77% off

89% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the vivid tapestry of history, "Americans of 1776" is a must-read. James Schouler’s detailed account brings the era to life, far beyond the battlefields—right into the homes and daily rituals of early Americans. It's like a time machine that gives you a front-row seat to the birth of a nation, outfitting you not just with facts, but with the feel of the period.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Prepare to Be Shocked
Ripley Entertainment Inc. | Ripley Publishing

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Prepare to Be Shocked

$10.90 $4.90 55% off

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$10.90 $4.90 55% off

89% off est. retail
If your curiosity craves the strange and shocking, "Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Prepare To Be Shocked" is like a treasure trove waiting for you. It's an invitation to challenge your sense of reality with visuals and stories that defy belief. This book will be your ticket to feeling perpetually amazed, perfect for anyone who loves to pepper their conversations with "Did you know" facts.
Journeys Through Southeast Asia: Ceritalah 2
Karim Raslan | Times Book International

Journeys Through Southeast Asia: Ceritalah 2

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 3.54

$3.90

As someone fascinated by the diversity and complexity of Southeast Asia, you'll find Karim Raslan's "Journeys through Southeast Asia: Ceritalah 2" immensely enlightening. Raslan's penchant for keen observation and his vivid storytelling bring out the color and contrasts of the region. It's not just a travelogue but a deeper exploration of the communities, politics, and cultures that make up this vibrant part of the world. Whether it's the busy streets of Rangoon or the quiet musings of local artists, this book promises to take you on a journey that's as educational as it is entertaining.
Sex, Death, and God in L.A - Thryft
David Reid | University Of California Press

Sex, Death, and God in L.A

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.27

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

89% off est. retail
If you're enamored with the multifaceted nature of Los Angeles, "Sex, Death, and God in L.A." offers a tapestry of perspectives that feel both intimate and comprehensive. They dive beyond the glamorous veil showcasing how various communities, from Latino to Asian to Hollywood elite, shape the pulsing heart of the city. It's like eavesdropping on an enlightened conversation about a place both mythical and decidedly real.
Massacre at Fort William Henry - Thryft
David R. Starbuck | University Press Of New England

Massacre at Fort William Henry

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.6

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

88% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the raw and gritty aspects of history, especially early American colonial clashes, the 'Massacre at Fort William Henry' offers an absorbing dive into one of the 18th-century's darker episodes. David R. Starbuck's archeological background lends a distinct authenticity to the narrative, making it a gripping read for anyone interested in the underbelly of American history.
Matawan and Aberdeen: Of Town and Field - Thryft
Helen B. Henderson, Matawan Historical Society  | Arcadia Publishing

Matawan and Aberdeen: Of Town and Field

$13.90 $3.90 72% off

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$13.90 $3.90 72% off

89% off est. retail
If you're drawn to local histories that offer a window into America's evolving small towns, you'll enjoy "Matawan and Aberdeen – Of Town and Field." The book delivers a rich narrative of how a modest agricultural and shipping hub grew into a dynamic suburban locality. Plus, its emphasis on preservation efforts underscores a community's love for its heritage, making it a heartwarming read for those interested in the cultural tapestry of America.
Moro East
Samuel Clark, Samantha Clark  | Ebury Press

Moro East

$26.90 $21.90 19% off

Goodreads rating: 4.36

$26.90 $21.90 19% off

"Moro East" might just inspire your next kitchen adventure with its unique blend of Spanish and Muslim Mediterranean flavors, straight from the bustling energy of an East End allotment. The Clarks have woven the vibrant community spirit into every recipe, offering a culinary experience that feels both personal and expansive. If you're looking to refresh your palate with unpretentious, bold flavors amidst tales of communal joy, this could be your perfect cookbook companion.
Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen
Sold out
Greg Jenner | Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

64% off est. retail
"Dead Famous" offers an unexpected journey, taking you well beyond the present-day glitz of social media influencers back to the intriguing origins of celebrity culture. Greg Jenner masterfully uncovers the earliest stars and their stories, providing an absorbing narrative that's not only about how people became icons but also how their fame shaped society. It's a must-read if you enjoy peeling back the layers of history to understand how past celebrity culture informs our current obsession with fame.
The Potato: How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World
Sold out
Larry Zuckerman | North Point Press

The Potato: How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

Goodreads rating: 3.61

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

69% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by how something as unassuming as the potato could revolutionize the world, this book is a treat. Larry Zuckerman peels back the layers of history to reveal the potato's surprising and multifaceted role in shaping our past. It's a narrative that's rich with detail yet digestible, perfect for anyone interested in food history or the underappreciated catalysts of societal change.
About Time : A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks - Thryft
Sold out
David Rooney | Penguin

About Time : A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks

$4.70

Goodreads rating: 3.6

$4.70

76% off est. retail
The measurement of time has always been essential to human civilization, from early Roman sundials to the advent of GPS. But while we have one eye on the time every day, are we aware of the power clocks have given governments, military leaders and business owners, and how they have shaped our lives and our world?In this spectacularly far-reaching book, David Rooney narrates a history of timekeeping and civilization in twelve concise chapters. Over their course, we meet the most epochal inventions in horological history, from medieval water clocks to Renaissance hourglasses, and from stock-exchange timestamps to satellites in Earth's orbit. We discover how clocks have helped people navigate the globe and build empires, but also, on occasion, taken us to the brink of destruction.This is the story of time, and the story of time is the story of us.

Understanding Social Dynamics

At Thryft, our Sociology section serves as a gateway to understanding complex social structures and behaviours. We offer a wide range of titles covering key sociological theories, modern societal challenges, by influential thinkers. Sociology engages with real world issues, functioning as a lens to view personal and collective social identities. Whether you’re pursuing personal growth or specific academic interests, our collection has something for everyone. Connect with these enlightening works today.