In this exceptional new second edition, the author has retained much of her earlier experiences when emigrating to the United States but adds depth and detail to the life events that have currently influenced her social values, attitudes, and behaviors. This is a supplementary textbook with the fundamental purpose of facilitating students in associating the understandings in their personal daily lives with larger social forces. The main discussion focuses on cross-cultural experiences and society with the understanding that time, society, and culture will always influence everyday lives. The following topics are featured: sociological theories and how different political and economic systems influence ways of thinking, everyday life, and social interaction with others;  the importance of doing research projects, collecting data, and how to avoid common mistakes; the comparison between Chinese and American cultures, and cultural shock; how immigrants assimilate themselves into American society; deviant behavior that may be considered universal; comparison and evaluation of U.S. and Chinese social stratification; racial group issues; comparison of U.S. and Chinese sex and gender behaviors; different approaches to the importance of family in cultures; the influence of Confucius versus Christianity; population issues including family planning and abortion; and urbanization and its effect on social change. Replete with numerous illustrations, the author provides a background of Chinese history, culture, and current issues.  The book is especially important in the study of history immigration, world cultures, current American immigration, and the socialization and assimilation by the dominant culture in a society. This book serves as a significant resource for the general study of sociology and social sciences at all levels.