Experiences with strange phenomena such as ghosts, UFOs, psychics, and miracle cures make for titillating stories. Many of us leave these stories as just that—stories—but for some people the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories and otherworldly happenings leads down a dark path. Paranoia and the belief in the paranormal have real-life consequences. What is the science behind these scenarios?Everyday Extraordinary provides an antidote for the conspiracy theories, medical quac...

Written by eminent sociologists, this book introduces and assesses some of the most influential, recent sociological theories. Each chapter explains the theory and describes a related program of empirical research. Chapters are authored by the actual founders (and/or leading exponents) of these theoretical programs; many chapters contain a description of the inception, growth, and present status of the theoretical program. The book covers a broad range of sociological concerns, from the in...