Learn how to think like a sociologist with this short, up-to-date and accessible introduction to studying A Level Sociology or starting sociology at university. Find out how sociology works and what it can do, as well as where it can take you.Get a headstart on your A-Level Sociology topics and understand how to be an excellent sociologist. Packed with inspiring and current examples, this fascinating and practical guide introduces the capacity and challenge, insights and parameters of sociology through key ideas and readings that relate to the current A-Level Sociology specifications, foundation access courses and the world around us. Hugely readable it will appeal to anyone interested in learning more about sociology.By becoming a sociologist, you will learn to be careful, considered, and creative, analytical, and rigorous, and reflexive and ethical. These dispositions will prepare you for life, education, and work.Introduction: Why be a sociologist?Chapter 1: Be Imaginative: Making connections between the personal and the publicChapter 2: Be Conceptual: Putting on sociological glassesChapter 3: Be Rigorous: Exploring the sociological toolkitChapter 4: Be Knowledgeable: Asking questions and finding answersChapter 5: Be Reflexive: Turning the sociological imagination onto sociology itselfChapter 6: Be Transformative: Bringing about change in yourself and othersAn Ending: A sociology of hope and reasons to be optimistic