This conflict perspective introductory paperback text emphasizes four themes: diversity, the struggle to achieve social justice, economic and global transformations in the U.S., and a global perspective.

In Conflict and Order studies the forces that lead to both stability and change in society. As it examines the standard topics in an introductory course, the authors show how social problems are structural in origin. While the pace of social change is increasing, society's institutions are resistant to change. Eitzen and Baca Zinn challenge students to develop a sociological perspective by questioning their own basic beliefs, and to debate the facts rather than merely accepting the authors' way of looking at the world.