Music sociology is a young research branch of systematic musicology that is gaining increasing importance. The 8th volume of the series "Compendiums of Music" provides a comprehensive overview of this field. It not only offers extensive insights into the theoretical foundations of the discipline but also presents a precise understanding of various topics within music sociology. The focus is on the examination of material and ideal value systems. Explanations of the methodological approach complement the volume on music sociology with relevant case studies.