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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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Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes
Mark J. Penn, E. Kinney Zalesne  | Twelve

Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

Goodreads rating: 3.51

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

87% off est. retail
Recommendation: 1. This book is a fascinating exploration of the microtrends shaping America's future. With his keen analysis, Mark Penn presents over 70 hidden-in-plain-sight trends that are influencing our culture, economy, and personal lives. From retirees who continue to work to tech-savvy women driving technology, this book uncovers the evolving dynamics of our society. Penn's expertise in identifying emerging groups makes this a valuable read for anyone wanting to navigate the ever-changing landscape of business, politics, and personal growth. 2. Uncovering the secrets behind America's evolving landscape, Microtrends offers a fresh perspective on our society. Mark Penn's insightful analysis reveals the small patterns of behavior that have a significant impact on our daily lives. Whether you're an entrepreneur, politician, or simply curious about the forces shaping our future, this book will help you see the world in a new light. Prepare to be enlightened and empowered by the microtrends that are reshaping our nation.
Ageing in Asia: Contemporary Trends and Policy Issues
Lee Gan Goh, Mui Teng Yap & Lee Gan Go Kai Hong Phua, Mui Teng Yap  | World Scientific Pub Co Inc

Ageing in Asia: Contemporary Trends and Policy Issues

$92.90 $55.90 40% off

Goodreads rating: 3.0

$92.90 $55.90 40% off

If you're intrigued by the social sciences and demographic shifts, this book is a fascinating dive into the complexities of ageing populations in Asia. It offers a thorough analysis balancing cultural, economic, and policy perspectives, which might just reshape your understanding of contemporary Asian societies and the challenges they face.
Asian Values, Western Dreams: Understanding the New Asia - Thryft
Greg Sheridan | Allen & Unwin

Asian Values, Western Dreams: Understanding the New Asia

$12.32 $4.90 60% off

Goodreads rating: 2.75

$12.32 $4.90 60% off

89% off est. retail
"Asian Values, Western Dreams" isn't just a study; it's a journey that brings you face to face with the dynamic tensions shaping modern Asia. Greg Sheridan invites you to look beyond stereotypes and experience the region's cultures and conflicts through a tapestry of firsthand narratives. This book might be an indispensable companion for understanding how Asia carves its own path, all while you traverse its vivid landscapes from your armchair.
Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress
Samuel P. Huntington, Lawrence E. Harrison  | Basic Books

Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress

$16.90 $12.90 24% off

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$16.90 $12.90 24% off

If you're captivated by the interplay between culture and development, "Culture Matters" will enrich your understanding. You'll find yourself delving into a range of perspectives that illuminate how deeply ingrained values can either propel societies forward or hold them back. It's a thought-provoking read that could change the way you see the world's economic and political landscape.
Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Today's Big Changes
Mark J. Penn, E. Kinney Zalesne  | Penguin Books Ltd

Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Today's Big Changes

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.51

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

75% off est. retail
Imagine finding a treasure map to modern society—'Microtrends' is just that. It’s a compelling read if you're curious about the undercurrents shaping our world that often go unnoticed. You'll be equipped with the trend-spotter’s lens, allowing you to see beyond the obvious and understand the subtle forces dictating change. It’s perfect for strategists, marketers, or just the curious mind looking to understand the world a little better.
Money Metaverse: How Crypto Is Reinventing Finance & Property and Unlocking Value Via Tokenization
Paul Schulte and William Dogger | Independently Published

Money Metaverse: How Crypto Is Reinventing Finance & Property and Unlocking Value Via Tokenization

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$11.90

This is a good pick if you want the why behind crypto, not just the hype. It connects AI, blockchain, NFTs, and tokenization into a bigger picture about how money, ownership, and trust could change. Readers who enjoy future-facing finance books will likely appreciate how ambitious it feels, especially when it imagines digital property as something real, ownable, and economically transformative.
Population and Technological Change: A Study of Long-Term Trends
Ester Boserup | The University Of Chicago Press

Population and Technological Change: A Study of Long-Term Trends

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

81% off est. retail
If understanding how technology has shaped our demographic landscape intrigues you, Ester Boserup's exploration is a must-read. It's a deep dive into the complex dance between population growth and technological innovation, explaining how each influences the other over the long haul. This book is particularly enlightening for those curious about the historical interplay between societal development and technological advancement.
The Complexity of Cooperation: Agent-Based Models of Competition and Collaboration
Robert Axelrod | Princeton University Press

The Complexity of Cooperation: Agent-Based Models of Competition and Collaboration

$16.90 $14.03 17% off

Goodreads rating: 3.99

$16.90 $14.03 17% off

78% off est. retail
If you're interested in understanding how intricate social behaviors and cooperation emerge, "The Complexity of Cooperation" might just deepen your appreciation for the nuances involved. Axelrod's accessible writing makes sophisticated concepts like game theory and agent-based modeling understandable. It's like putting on a new pair of glasses that clarify why individuals and societies interact the way they do, guided by invisible rules and patterns you'll soon begin to notice everywhere.
China and Historical Capitalism: Genealogies of Sinological Knowledge - Thryft
Timothy Brook, Gregory Blue  | Cambridge University Press

China and Historical Capitalism: Genealogies of Sinological Knowledge

$57.90 $15.90 73% off

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$57.90 $15.90 73% off

90% off est. retail
If you've ever wondered how views of economic history can be colored by the lens through which they're examined, "China and Historical Capitalism" might intrigue you. This book digs into how Western interpretations of capitalism have overshadowed other global narratives. It's a thoughtful read for anyone interested in understanding the complex intersection between cultural perception and historical economic systems, and particularly relevant if you're interested in the dynamics of East-West relations in the context of capitalist discourse.
Tomorrow's World : A Look at the Demographic and Socio-economic Structure of the World in 2032 - Thryft
Clint Laurent | Wiley

Tomorrow's World : A Look at the Demographic and Socio-economic Structure of the World in 2032

$14.90 $5.90 60% off

Goodreads rating: 3.67

$14.90 $5.90 60% off

88% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by how global trends can affect the future, "Tomorrow's World" is a compelling read. Clint Laurent provides a forecast that isn't just data—it's a narrative of our near future where population shifts and economic changes become a canvas for innovation and strategic planning. Whether you're a business leader or just curious about the shape of things to come, this book acts as a guide to understanding and preparing for the demographic waves set to impact how we live, work, and play in the years ahead.
Future of Capitalism: How Today's Economic Forces Shape Tomorrow's World
Lester Thurow | 1996

Future of Capitalism: How Today's Economic Forces Shape Tomorrow's World

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.59

$9.90

If you're intrigued by the evolving landscape of global economics and wonder how capitalism will adapt to modern challenges, Lester Thurow's book might just be your crystal ball. Thurow's insights could provide a thought-provoking understanding of the economic currents and forces that will sculpt the world of tomorrow. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the interplay between economics and the future.
The Role of Unions in the Twenty-First Century: A Report for the Fondazione Rodolfo Debenedetti
Tito Boeri, Agar Brugiavini, Lars Calmfors  | Oxford University Press

The Role of Unions in the Twenty-First Century: A Report for the Fondazione Rodolfo Debenedetti

$40.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$40.90

68% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the ever-shifting landscape of labor rights and economics, this report will offer you fresh insights into how unions adapt and influence work in our times. For anyone invested in understanding the power dynamics between workers, employers, and the market today, it's an illuminating read.
In Defense of Globalization
Jagdish N. Bhagwati | Oxford University Press

In Defense of Globalization

$11.90 $7.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.44

$11.90 $7.90 34% off

82% off est. retail
If you've been wrestling with the concept of globalization and its true impact on the world, "In Defense of Globalization" could offer some clarity. It's not just another dry economic treatise; it's a thoughtful exploration that might change your perspective on international trade and cultural exchange. Worthwhile for anyone interested in the intersection of economics, politics, and culture.
Inventions
David Smith | Harpercollins Publishers

Inventions

$19.90 $15.90 20% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$19.90 $15.90 20% off

If you're fascinated by human creativity and the evolution of technology, "Inventions" is a treasure trove that you'll appreciate. It's not just a catalogue of gadgets and gizmos but a celebration of the leaps in thinking that have shaped our world. You'll likely find each page sparking curiosity and wonder about the stories behind the tools and technologies we often take for granted.
Market Society: Markets and Modern Social Theory
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Don Slater, Fran Tonkiss  | Polity

Market Society: Markets and Modern Social Theory

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.83

$13.90

60% off est. retail
If you're keen on understanding how markets shape and are shaped by society, "Market Society" could be the book for you. It's not just about economics; it's a broader take on how markets integrate with social actions and relationships. Plus, it's designed to be accessible, so you don't need to be an academic to digest its insights about the intersection of markets with culture and politics.
Critical Mass: How One Thing Leads to Another: Being an Enquiry Into the Interplay of Chance and Necessity in the Way That Human Culture, Customs, Institutions, Cooperation and Conflict Arise
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Philip Ball | Arrow Books

Critical Mass: How One Thing Leads to Another: Being an Enquiry Into the Interplay of Chance and Necessity in the Way That Human Culture, Customs, Institutions, Cooperation and Conflict Arise

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$9.90 $7.90 20% off

64% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the intersection of human behavior and science, "Critical Mass" is a riveting journey that you won't want to miss. Philip Ball masterfully bridges disciplines to craft a narrative that's as enlightening as it is accessible, offering insights into our collective actions and the underlying patterns that guide them. This book might change the way you perceive the world and our role in it, blending the meticulousness of scientific inquiry with the complexity of social interactions.
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
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Steven D.; Dubner Levitt | Allen Lane

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

$9.90 $5.90 40% off

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$9.90 $5.90 40% off

Ever thought about the economics of drug dealers or what sumo wrestlers and teachers might have in common? If such quirky questions intrigue you, "Freakonomics" is right up your alley! It's not a standard economics textbook—it's a trove of unusual insights that will shift how you see the everyday world. The unconventional perspective might just hook you, whether you're into economics or just love a good intellectual twist.
That Used to Be Us - What Went Wrong with America - and How It Can Come Back
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Thomas L. Friedman, Michael Mandelbaum  | Little Brown And Company

That Used to Be Us - What Went Wrong with America - and How It Can Come Back

$10.90 $5.90 46% off

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$10.90 $5.90 46% off

88% off est. retail
If you're wondering about the shifts in American society, this book might be your cup of tea. Friedman and Mandelbaum offer a compelling narrative that slices through the fog of political and economic discourse. They do not just present problems but offer a lens of optimism to view America's potential for revitalization, a read that balances critique with hope.
The Great Disruption - Human Nature and the Reconstitution of Social Order - Thryft
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Francis Fukuyama | Free Press

The Great Disruption - Human Nature and the Reconstitution of Social Order

$17.90 $9.90 45% off

Goodreads rating: 3.63

$17.90 $9.90 45% off

75% off est. retail
If you've been feeling the seismic shifts in our social landscape, "The Great Disruption" by Francis Fukuyama might resonate with you. Fukuyama doesn't just dwell on what's been lost; he offers a rigorous analysis of these changes and gives a glimpse of the emerging social order. For anyone seeking to understand the interplay between human nature and societal change, this book lays out a comprehensive foundation that's as thought-provoking as it is enlightening.
Freakonomics
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Stephen J. Dubner, Steven D. Levitt  | Penguin Uk

Freakonomics

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$8.90

"Freakonomics" isn't your standard economics textbook; it's a treasure trove of quirky insights where data tells unexpected tales. For those curious about the hidden economic factors that influence our daily lives, Levitt offers a fresh, sometimes shocking, perspective. If you enjoy having your mind bent in new directions, this book will not only entertain but also arm you with stories that challenge conventional wisdom.
Superfreakonomics : Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance - Thryft
Sold out
Steven D. Levitt | Allen Lane

Superfreakonomics : Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance

$11.43

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$11.43

72% off est. retail
This book is a captivating sequel to the international bestseller, Freakonomics. With their unique style and wit, the authors delve into controversial subjects like terrorism, charity, and prostitution. Prepare to be amazed as Superfreakonomics uncovers hidden truths and transforms the way you see the world. It's a thought-provoking read that will challenge your perspectives and leave you wanting more.
Indonesia Assessment: Population and Human Resources - Thryft
Sold out
Gavin W. Jones | Institute Of Southeast Asian Studies

Indonesia Assessment: Population and Human Resources

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$12.90

82% off est. retail
This book provides a comprehensive evaluation of Indonesia's population and human resource development, making it a great read for anyone interested in understanding the country's current situation and prospects for the future. It offers a unique insight into the relationship between population growth and economic development in the country, making it an essential read for students and researchers in the field of population studies and development economics.
Human Resource Issues in Singapore
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Gregory Tin Sin Thong | Addison-wesley

Human Resource Issues in Singapore

$17.90 $7.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$17.90 $7.90 56% off

89% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the complexities of managing people and want to gain a better understanding of human resource practices in a fast-developing Asian economy, "Human Resource Issues in Singapore" is a must-read. It provides a localized perspective that encapsulates the cultural and economic nuances of Singapore's workforce in the mid-90s, which might be interesting for professionals and academics in the fields of HR and international business.
Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - Thryft
Sold out
Stephen J. Dubner, Steven D. Levitt  | William Morrow

Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$8.26

79% off est. retail
Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? How much do parents really matter? What kind of impact did Roe v. Wade have on violent crime? These may not sound like typical questions for an economist to ask. But Steven D. Levitt is not a typical economist. He is a much heralded scholar who studies the stuff and riddles of everyday life-; from cheating and crime to sports and child rearing-; and whose conclusions regularly turn the conventional wisdom on its head. He usually begins with a mountain of data and a simple, unasked question. Some of these questions concern life-and-death issues; others have an admittedly freakish quality. Thus the new field of study contained in this book: freakonomics.Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, Levitt and co-author Stephen J. Dubner show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives-; how people get what they want, or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing. In "Freakonomics," they set out to explore the hidden side of ... well, everything. The inner workings of a crack gang. The truth about real-estate agents. The myths of campaign finance. The telltale marks of a cheating schoolteacher. The secrets of the Ku Klux Klan.What unites all these stories is a belief that the modern world, despite a surfeit of obfuscation, complication, and downright deceit, is not impenetrable, is not unknowable, and-; if the right questions are asked-; is even more intriguing than we think. All it takes is a new way of looking. Steven Levitt, through devilishly clever and clear-eyed thinking, shows how to seethrough all the clutter."Freakonomics" establishes this unconventional premise: If morality represents how we would like the world to work, then economics represents how it actually does work. It is true that readers of this book will be armed with enough riddles and stories to last a thousand cocktail parties. But "Freakonomics" can provide more than that. It will literally redefine the way we view the modern world.(front flap)
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive
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Jared Diamond | Penguin Books

Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$13.90

"Collapse" isn't just about the past; it's a thoughtful exploration of the patterns that have led societies to their zenith and their nadir. You'll be taken on a global tour of history, learning from the lessons etched in the remains of once-great civilizations. As you delve into these narratives, you may find yourself pondering the sustainability of our own society. It's a compelling read for those who enjoy history with a side of existential inquiry.
Superfreakonomics : Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance - Thryft
Sold out
Stephen J. Dubner | January 1, 2011

Superfreakonomics : Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance

$5.71

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$5.71

59% off est. retail
Review: Superfreakonomics is a fascinating exploration of unconventional economic principles that will challenge your preconceived notions. Levitt and Dubner dive deep into controversial topics, presenting mind-bending truths that are backed by unexpected economic insights. From discussing the surprising risks of walking drunk to the intriguing dynamics between prostitutes and policemen, this book will keep you engaged from start to finish. Prepare to have your perspective shifted and your assumptions shattered as you explore the hidden side of societal issues.
Outliers: The Story of Success
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Malcolm Gladwell | Penguin Books

Outliers: The Story of Success

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

72% off est. retail
If you've ever wondered why some people achieve extraordinary success, "Outliers" might shed some light on the matter. Malcolm Gladwell delves deep into the backgrounds of various high achievers, revealing the surprising and often overlooked factors that contribute to their achievements. This isn't your typical success manual; it's an eye-opening exploration of how culture, circumstances, and timing can shape a person's destiny. It's thought-provoking and challenges the way we typically think about success and merit.

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.