The purpose of this book is to illuminate the multitudinous opportunities for students to comprehend the versatile and diverse ways that sociological knowledge can be applied and analyzed in reference to the areas of multiple social problems and life-at-stake issues. Moreover, in reference to student learning, this workbook underscores the profound and pervasive relevance of sociology as an academic discipline, along with providing any sociology instructor with a plethora of ideas regarding how to teach sociological knowledge through various pedagogical methods and exercises.
Avant -Garde Sociology focuses upon building the theoretical position that social reality is defined as seven primary areas that simultaneously work as independent variables and might also be influenced as dependent variables in any social structural relationship or entity. In addition, this book underscores the importance of identifying those five areas of being human that impact and explain individual human behavior and those behavioral actions modeled in other types of social structures and social structural relationships. Some other progressive ideas this book offers is viewing the importance of sociologys role in explaining the origins of behavior in reference to identifying stake issues in individuals and other social structural entities as well as making reference to those methods of power utilized in social structure relationships. Sociological explanations for deviant behavior are also identified and a unique theoretical process is acknowledged in reference to understanding the evolution of social change. Of greatest significance is that Avante-Garde Sociology helps the student learner comprehend that human behavior and its explanations are complex; likewise, the social science of sociology should be taking seriously as a relevant theoretical consideration for: understanding human behavior in love relationships, marriages, and families; as a significant tool in identifying social problems and/or considering how to develop policies or programs to alleviate various social maladies ; comprehending those multiple issues surrounding the operation of a business, and for highlighting the significant role sociology plays when studying and assessing the origins of many mental health illnesses suffered by individuals. Ultimately, this book instructs the student learner to understand that utilizing the seven primary areas of social reality as a tool of analysis for any social topic of consideration yields a plethora of relevant knowledge either for extending sociological theory or understanding human behavior.
There is currently no reader in print that provides a broad ranging overview for an undergraduate course on the sociology of the arts or the sociology of culture. This book remedies this situation as it provides students with an overall understanding of the current issues, theoretical approaches, and substantive contributions in the sociology of the arts. Included are chapters on the aesthetic meaning of art; the social and institutional production of art; the links among audiences, artists, and cultural organizations; tensions between artists and their bureaucratized working settings; the training and careers of artists; relations between art and society; and the dynamics of cultural change. In addition to section introductions, there is a comprehensive introduction to provide students with an understanding of the history of the field, its main theoretical currents, and also to provide them with an appreciation of the contributions to cultural studies by other disciplines, such as anthropology and history. An extensive bibliography is also included in the reader, which was developed to assist students who wish to pursue research topics.
The Routledge Handbook of the Sociology of Arts and Culture offers a comprehensive overview of sociology of art and culture, focusing especially – though not exclusively – on the visual arts, literature, music, and digital culture. Extending, and critiquing, Bourdieu’s influential analysis of cultural capital, the distinguished international contributors explore the extent to which cultural omnivorousness has eclipsed highbrow culture, the role of age, gender and class on cultural practices, the character of aesthetic preferences, the contemporary significance of screen culture, and the restructuring of popular culture. The Handbook critiques modes of sociological determinism in which cultural engagement is seen as the simple product of the educated middle classes. The contributions explore the critique of Eurocentrism and the global and cosmopolitan dimensions of cultural life. The book focuses particularly on bringing cutting edge ‘relational’ research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative, to bear on these debates. This handbook not only describes the field, but also proposes an agenda for its development which will command major international interest.
First published in 1982, The Sociology of Art considers all forms of the arts, whether visual arts, literature, film, theatre or music from Bach to the Beatles. The last book to be completed by Arnold Hauser before his death in 1978, it is a total analysis of the spiritual forces of social expression, based upon comprehensive historical experience and documentation. Hauser explores art through the earliest times to the modern era, with fascinating analyses of the mass media and current manifestations of human creativity. An extension and completion of his earlier work, The Social History of Art, this volume represents a summing up of his thought and forms a fitting climax to his life's work. Translated by Kenneth J. Northcote.
Learn about how we organize our society in The Sociology Book. Part of the fascinating Big Ideas series, this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy to follow format. Learn about Sociology in this overview guide to the subject, great for beginners looking to learn and experts wishing to refresh their knowledge alike! The Sociology Book brings a fresh and vibrant take on the topic through eye-catching graphics and diagrams to immerse yourself in. This captivating book will broaden your understanding of Sociology, with: - More than 80 ideas from the world's most renowned sociologists - Packed with facts, charts, timelines and graphs to help explain core concepts - A visual approach to big subjects with striking illustrations and graphics throughout - Easy to follow text makes topics accessible for people at any level of understanding The Sociology Book is the perfect introduction to a range of societal issues, ranging from government and gender identity to inequalities and globalization, aimed at adults with an interest in the subject and students wanting to gain more of an overview. Here you'll find biographies of key sociologists and social activists that give a historical context to each idea. Your Sociology Questions, Simply Explained This book explores the similar issues that affect us all; the tension between the needs of the individual and society, the changing workplace, and the role of everything from government to mass culture in our lives. If you thought it was difficult to learn about social theory, The Sociology Book presents key information in a clear layout. Learn about issues of equality, diversity, identity, and human rights; the role of institutions; and the rise of urban living in modern society, with fantastic mind maps and step-by-step summaries. The Big Ideas Series With millions of copies sold worldwide, The Sociology Book is part of the award-winning Big Ideas series from DK. The series uses striking graphics along with engaging writing, making big topics easy to understand.
The cultural and performative turns in social theory have enlivened sociology. For the first time these new developments are fully integrated into new approaches to the sociology of the arts in this important new book. Building on the established research into art worlds, what is interesting for the new sociology of the arts, understood in the broad sense to include popular culture as well the classical focus on music, painting, and literature, is the relationship between art works and meaning, myth, and performance. Also reflected in these rich essays, which range from Beethoven to John Lennon to Chinese avant garde artists, is the lived experience of the artist and its impact on the process of creation and innovation.
This is a comprehensive overview of the sociology of art and an authoritative work of scholarship by a leading expert in the field. The international selection of perspectives, empirical research, and case studies makes this book essential for teaching and studying the sociology of art. Synthesizes the various theoretical models of art sociology. Provides empirical examples of books, films, television shows, dance, and music, as well as exemplars of sociological work on the arts. Discusses works from both fine and popular ends of the cultural spectrum. Explores how art is created, distributed, received, consumed, and used by people who experience it.
In this book Jeffrey Alexander develops the view that cultural sociology and “cultural pragmatics” are vital for understanding the structural turbulence and political possibilities of contemporary social life. Central to Alexander’s approach is a new model of social performance that combines elements from both the theatrical avant-garde and modern social theory. He uses this model to shed new light on a wide range of social actors, movements, and events, demonstrating through striking empirical examples the drama of social life. Producing successful dramas determines the outcome of social movements and provides the keys to political power. Modernity has neither eliminated aura nor suppressed authenticity; on the contrary, they are available to social actors who can perform them in compelling ways. This volume further consolidates Alexander’s reputation as one of the most original social thinkers of our time. It will be of great interest to students and scholars in sociology and cultural studies as well as throughout the social sciences and humanities.
