Sociology dictionaries and encyclopedias can help you to: 

• define terminology related to the study of Sociology.
• find brief, factual information to supplement your research.
• build up a context for your topic, and suggest ideas to explore.

Handbooks provide an in-depth introduction to sociology topics:

Blackwell companions to sociology

Oxford Reference Online
Subject titles from Oxford University Press - searchable as a set, in subject groups, or by individual title.

Sage Reference Online 
A selection of encyclopedias covering business, communication, health, psychology, science and sociology.

Sage Research Methods Online
Research methodology and design

Te Ara
New Zealand encyclopedia

The following is a selective list of print and online encyclopedias and dictionaries available through the Library.

General

Blackwell encyclopedia of sociology
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The concise encyclopedia of sociology
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International encyclopedia of the social & behavioral sciences
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The Sage glossary of the social and behavioral sciences
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Theory

The Blackwell companion to major classical social theorists
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The Blackwell companion to major contemporary social theorists
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The new Blackwell companion to social theory
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Special Topics

21st century criminology : a reference handbook
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A dictionary of sports studies
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Encyclopedia of cremation
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Encyclopedia of criminology and criminal justice
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Encyclopedia of death and the human experience
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Encyclopedia of new religious movements
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Encyclopedia of race and crime
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Encyclopedia of sustainability
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Encyclopedia of urban studies
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International encyclopedia of public health
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The new Blackwell companion to medical sociology
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The new Blackwell companion to the sociology of religion
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