The Pleasure of Inquiry: Readings in Sociology takes a unique approach in using readings to demonstrate how sociology can be used as a conceptual tool for action. The organization of the book is reflective of this particular characterization of sociological inquiry. An important dimension of introducing students to this concept is providing students with some grounding in the theoretical bases of the discipline. To that end For the Pleasure of Inquiry has provided a variety of accessible articles from both classical and contemporary sociological theorists which orient students to significant themes, concepts, and problems in sociological inquiry.The reader is organized around the principle of offering articles that explore the possible transformation of modern society into what is often referred to as a postmodern society, and the increasingly influential global context in which this is occurring. This text will serve as an opportunity for both students and teachers to undertake a shared re-examination of their own experiences, conduct, and embeddedness in the distinctive web of social relations and meanings we call modern society.