Hot off the press for spring 2026, Interrogating the Global Social Challenges presents wide-ranging expertise from sociologists on some of the most urgent issues of our time. This accessibly written volume offers readers tools to think critically and act thoughtfully in relation to topics such as decolonization, inequalities, climate, ecology and waste, pandemics, work, racialized injustice, gender, migration and more.

Please join the University of Manchester School of Social Sciences for a launch event with drinks and light refreshments, where Kevin Gillan and Vanessa May will briefly introduce the book and some of our contributing authors will be on hand for informal conversations.

Book your free ticket here

About Interrogating the Global Social Challenges, edited by Kevin Gillan and Vanessa May

How can sociological thinking help us make sense of today’s biggest global challenges?

In the midst of an ‘age of crisis’, headlines are dominated by topic such as climate change, migration, radicalization and inequality. These topics are core to sociology, yet sociological insights are drowned out in public debate frequently dominated by technological optimism, economic rhetoric or polarizing politics.

This accessible textbook centres the sociological voice. It demonstrates how evidence-based, critical perspectives can illuminate the causes, interconnections and possible solutions to some of the most urgent issues of our time.

Each chapter is crafted to support students new to sociology, guiding them to think critically and make connections between complex global problems. Pedagogical features include:

• minimal jargon, with key sociological terms bold-highlighted and defined on first use

• ‘Focus point’ boxes with data, case studies or visual insights

• suggested sources for further exploration, including videos and online media

This is essential reading for undergraduate students and anyone working in policy, advocacy or social change—offering the tools to think critically, act thoughtfully and engage with today’s most pressing global challenges.