In this volume the distinguished sociologist Anselm Strauss reflects on his self-professed, lifelong intention to create sociological awareness in his readers and students. Strauss democratizes sociology by making sure that relativities of status, power, and wealth are acknowledged in the conduct of everyday life, and by recognizing that all collective life is subject to negotiation, rearrangement, and reconstruction.

Represented here are some ideas for which Strauss is best known. He addresses work, leisure, culture, illness, identity, and policy. These disparate topics are linked...