A reader on selected social issues emphasises the nature, causes and consequences of sixteen social phenomena. In this edition two new chapters have been added, namely human trafficking and environmental issues. In the chapters on rape, child sexual abuse and human trafficking, reference is made to South African laws that have recently been passed by Parliament. The content is not discipline specific, and disciplines can therefore use their own perspectives to guide their students to a better understanding of the phenomena dealt with in the title. Discussion topics at the end of each chapter can be used to encourage students to deal with aspects beyond the scope of the text. Both national and international experts have contributed chapters to this edition.