My first reaction to Robert Brym's Sociology as a Matter of Life and Death was a feeling of uncertainty. When I started reading the book, I wasn't sure what to expect, whether the book would be tedious and vague, or whether it would be informative and intriguing. Brym jumps straight into the underlying existence of death and how “death has become a source of anxiety. “I identify with the introduction to the novel, feeling that there are two ways to live my life and wondering which one would result in a so-called 'better life.' In the first detailed chapter, Brym concludes that hip-hop culture encourages deviant behavior in society. I neither agree nor disagree with this idea because behavior is not defined solely by the music we listen to. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The second main chapter explains the techniques used in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I particularly wasn't as intrigued by this chapter, I don't agree with the constant battle between the groups because when one fights back the other has to do it, that's not true, others options were available. Continuing, Brym focuses on the consequences for the least valued members of society when there is a lack of planning for natural disasters. It's difficult because it's not fair that people suffer from lack of safety planning in their neighborhood. This fourth major chapter details the risk of cancer, but ensures that we can prevent it by eliminating carcinogens. I completely agree with this because people can get lung cancer from smoking but have the power to not smoke. The sixth chapter focuses on the risks women face because of their gender. This chapter will stay with me forever because of the uncertainty women face about what will happen in their daily activities. The last major chapter concerns the indigenous genocide that took place. It hurts me because of my ethnicity and it makes me sick to read about the conditions these students had to face. Brym uses these chapters to frame the underlying question of sociology as one of life and death. In each chapter we understand why sociology can result in life or death moments for some people and depending on the actions they have chosen. Of course, no one can ever know what will happen because of their actions. With these chapters we learn the importance of having a good quality of life, therefore of maintaining increasing life expectancy..