The world is evolving at a rapid pace. South Africa alone has undergone a process of major socioeconomic and political change in recent times. The desegregation of educational; religious; sport and other structures; the democratisation of the decision making process; and the implementation of affirmative action; for example; have involved a shift in the values and normative orientation of the population. The exact effects of such changes; both positive and negative; cannot be easily identified or measured. A reader on selected social issues considers the nature; causes and consequences of a wide range of current social phenomena; worldwide. A reader on selected social issues attempts a more “global” approach; rather than concentrating solely on South African society. All chapters have been extensively updated; with contributions from both national and international experts. Because the content of the chapters is not discipline specific; lecturers can use perspectives from within their own fields to guide students to an understanding of the phenomena being discussed. ‘Windows’ with thought-provoking information; as well as discussion topics at the end of each chapter; encourage students to deal with aspects beyond the scope of the text.