· Written in a very accessible and student-friendly style, this new edition provides the most recent statistics available · Promotes the understanding of the nature and positioning of Irish society in relation to other societies · Highlights the key sociological concepts & topics, with the major theoretical perspectives and methods required to produce sociological knowledge · Provides an introduction to and discussion on key issues relevant to the 21st century · Expanded section on Methods of Research, including information on: case studies; the internet; action reserach; and ethical considerations in research · New analysis of: - crime in Ireland - the function of religion - women and the Irish labour market - theories of ageing · New data regarding: - immigration and social change in Ireland - the travelling community - suicide - demographic patterns in Ireland Suitable for those studying FETAC, BTEC and HETAC subjects within the fields of Social Science and Health Care at levels 5 & 6.