Chris Shilling and Philip A. Mellor argue that recent developments in social character are key to explaining the sectarian tribalism that has afflicted American and European societies in recent decades.Building upon one of the most influential books of the twentieth century, David Riesman's The Lonely Crowd, the authors explore the social and economic conditions that have resulted in a 'thinning' of empathy and mutual identification, the significance of ine...

`The Sociological Ambition is a superb book... It is beautifully written, expertly edited and renders complex and original ideas entirely accessible... This is a modern classic′ - Journal of Contemporary Religion`For all social scientists who are fed up with corporate-style textbooks, which appeal to the lowest common denominator The Sociological Ambition must come as a relief. Shilling and Mellor have written an account of their discipline but they have done so wi...

′Once in a while a manuscript stops you in your tracks... What we are offered here is no recovering of old ground but a step change in perspectives on "body matters" that is both innovative and of fundamental importance to anyone working on this sociological terrain...This text is groundbreaking and simply has to be read′ - Acta Sociologica′This is Shilling at his creative best…these are seminal observations of the classical theories drawn together as never before. Moreover, as a f...

Where are we at with studies of Body & Society? What are the key accomplishments in the field? This book provides the clearest and most comprehensive account of work in this area to date.Based on a novel theory of action it surveys the terrain by arguing that human identity, social relationships and moral figurations develop as a result of people living in and seeking to reach beyond the limits of their bodily being. From this starting point the author undertakes a series of studie...

The human body is thought of conventionally as a biological entity, with its longevity, morbidity, size and even appearance determined by genetic factors immune to the influence of society or culture. Since the mid-1980s, however, there has been a rising awareness of how our bodies, and our perception of them, are influenced by the social, cultural and material contexts in which humans live. Drawing on studies of sex and gender, education, governance, the economy, and religion, Chris Shill...

"Great to have a new edition - this is essential reading and provides a clear, accessible yet original overview of social theory and the body."- Sarah Nettleton***, University of York***"Lucidly argued and accessibly written, this book avoids the pitfalls of either too much naturalism or too much social constructivism. It is a book with something for everyone, from the classics in social theory on the body to contemporary bodily phenomena like genet...

In an era when rapid social change, the disappearance of traditional communities, the rise of political populism and the threat posed by radical religious movements makes it appear that ‘all that is solid melts into air’, the classical sociological problem of how peaceable societies can be created and maintained assumes renewed urgency. Uncovering Social Life: Critical Perspectives from Sociology explores how contemporary institutional changes erode existing social relationships a...

"About time! Two key experts in the field remind us of the significance and power of religion as bio-political and bio-economic."- Beverley Skeggs, Goldsmiths, University of London"A welcome addition to a continuing body of work by two distinguished theorists of religion."- Grace Davie, University of Exeter"Mellor and Shilling cement their place at the pinnacle of the contemporary sociological theorisation of...

The human body is thought of conventionally as a biological entity, with its longevity, morbidity, size and even appearance determined by genetic factors immune to the influence of society or culture. Since the mid-1980s, however, there has been a rising awareness of how our bodies, and our perception of them, are influenced by the social, cultural and material contexts in which humans live. Drawing on studies of sex and gender, education, governance, the economy, and religion, Chris Shill...

Foucault - The Key Ideas is a concise introduction to the life, works and ideas of this ground-breaking modern philosopher. This book will not only guide you through the events of Foucault's life and help you to understand his most complex ideas with ease; it will also demonstrate the practical impact of those ideas on life today. Covering everything from Foucault's views on the philosophy and sociology of knowledge to his analysis of power and institutions in society, this book offers a f...

The second edition of this seminal work includes the original text, first published in 1974, alongside two major new chapters. Power: A Radical View assesses the main debates about how to conceptualize and study power, including the influential contributions of Michel Foucault. Power Revisited reconsiders Steven Lukes' own views in light of these debates and of criticisms of his original argument.With a new introduction and bibliographical essay, this book has consolidated...

An understanding of culture and identity is essential for new sociologists. This student-focused text explains the themes and theories behind these core ideas. With up-to-date discussion of 'chavs', masculinity and social networking, skills-based activities and practice exam questions, this is invaluable reading for anyone new to this topic.