Social inequality has always been one of the major preoccupations of sociology - largely, perhaps, because of the strong moral commitment which many sociologists bring to their work.

Dr Beteillie has tried to steer his selection between philosophical speculation on the moral basis of equality on the one hand and an over-concern with the technique of analysis of stratification on the other, the result is a fascinating blend of sociology and social anthropology that looks at stratification along class, caste and racial lines in a wide range of different societies.