For undergraduate courses in Social Stratification, Race, Class, and Gender, and Introduction to Gender Studies. Using a concise and easy-to-understand style, this guide provides an integrated approach to the implications of social class, race and ethnicity, and gender-explaining how each relates to economic, social, and political inequality. Its straightforward perspective views the considerations of race and gender as central to a full appreciation of the composition and dynamics of class systems. A significant and effective organization incorporates fresh conceptualizations, new research findings, and data, with the fundamentals of social stratification. *NEW - A focus on digital technology - Stresses the importance of this major twentieth century development. Explores the implications of the digital revolution in industrial nations. *NEW - Up-to-date information and research throughout. Keeps students abreast of the latest findings in the field, and helps make the coverage more relevant and meaningful to their lives. *NEW - Expanded scope - Highlights more than just the central focus of the American experience. Directs students attention to other industrial systems of social st