The book looks at social problems. David Spurling uses his overall background in politics and the civil service, including his research as part of the single homeless survey, as well as his interest in transport to develop an insight into the subject.

The book starts with the basic concepts that are necessary to understand sociology. He develops the applications showing how social scientists use scientific methods. The chapter on inequality demonstrates his interests in both Kenya, where he has a college, as well as the UK where he has undertaken social research.

His background in education comes to the fore in the chapter on education.