Between Us: Healing Ourselves and Changing the World Through Sociology

This heartfelt collection is a testament to sociology’s power to heal people and transform societies.

The world is a tough place right now. Climate change, income inequality, racist violence, and the erosion of democracy have exposed the vulnerability of our individual and collective futures. But as the sociologists gathered here by Marika Lindholm and Elizabeth Wood show, no matter how helpless we might feel, it’s vital that we discover new paths toward healing and change. The short, accessible, emotionally and intellectually powerful essays in Between Us offer a transformative new way to think about sociology and its ability to fuel personal and social change. These forty-five essays reflect a diverse range of experiences. Whether taking an adult son with autism grocery shopping or fighting fires in Barcelona, contending with sexism at the beach or facing racism at a fertility clinic, celebrating one’s immigrant heritage, or acknowledging one’s KKK ancestors, this book shows students that sociology is deeply rooted in everyday life and can be used to help us process and understand it. A perfect introduction to the discipline and why it matters, Between Us will resonate with students from all backgrounds as they embark on their academic journey.

Marika Lindholm is the founder of Empowering Solo Moms Everywhere, a social platform dedicated to informing, empowering, and honoring women who parent on their own. Elizabeth Anne Wood is professor of sociology and acting dean of instruction at Nassau Community College.