This textbook reflects a hybrid approach to studying stratification. It addresses the knowledge accumulated by stratification scholars and challenges students to apply this information to their social world. Features include: - The text is divided into basic concepts (theoretical and methodological) and applications (e.g., to class, poverty, mobility, education, gender, race). - Each chapter includes a list of key concepts, questions for thought, suggested exercises, and multimedia resources (print, internet, and films). - A unique methodological chapter provides students the skills they will need to be able to read contemporary sociological literature. - The selection of chapters and chapter content provide students a sense of the topics, questions, and research that dominate contemporary research on social stratification and inequality. - Research-oriented approach reflecting the field of stratification studies. Additional ancillary material may be found at www.stratificationandinequality.com