Written in a very accessible and student-friendly style, this new edition provides the most recent statistics available. The book promotes the understanding of the nature and positioning of Irish society in relation to other societies; highlights the key sociological concepts and topics, with the major theoretical perspectives and methods required to produce sociological knowledge; and, provides an introduction to and discussion on key issues relevant to the 21st century. It contains expanded section on Methods of Research, including information on: case studies; the internet; action research; and ethical considerations in research.

It offers new analysis of: crime in Ireland, the function of religion, women and the Irish labour market, and theories of ageing. It offers new data regarding: immigration and social change in Ireland, the travelling community, suicide, and demographic patterns in Ireland. The book is suitable for those studying FETAC, BTEC and HETAC subjects within the fields of Social Science and Health Care at levels 5 & 6.