Sociology of Personal Life

ISBN-13: 9781352005004 / Angielski / Miękka / 2019 / 222 str.

Vanessa May;Petra Nordqvist

Opis

The second edition of this textbook further establishes the ground-breaking `personal life' approach to sociology. Consolidating the research of multiple experts into one fully revised volume, the text equips readers with the conceptual tools for understanding the micro level of day-to-day life as well as the relationship between personal experiences and wider social phenomena. In this edition, the book extends the range and complexity of what constitutes personal life in sociology, with topics such as the home, political participation, gender, the body and material culture explored in depth. Under the careful editorship of Vanessa May and Petra Nordqvist, both traditional and unexpected topics are explored in a way that emphasises the interconnectedness and relevance of each. Written in an accessible style for readers with no prior knowledge, and incorporating text boxes, figures and discussion questions throughout, this text is an essential for students exploring the relationship between personal experience and wider social phenomena.

Spis treści

1.What is a ‘Sociology of Personal Life’? 2.Conceputalising the personal 3.Couple relationships 4.Kinship: How being related matters in personal life 5.Friendship and personal life 6.Material cultures 7.Personal life across the life course 8.Consumer culture 9.The body in personal life 10. Home 11.Personal Life in Public Spaces 12.Sexuality and politics of personal life 13.Conclusion: Why a Sociology of Personal Life?

O autorze

Vanessa May and Petra Nordqvist are both based in the Morgan Centre for Research into Everyday Lives at the University of Manchester, UK.

Blurb

What can Sociology tell us about our personal lives, families and intimate relationships? This book explains how key theoretical perspectives and relevant contemporary research in the discipline can shed new light on even the most familiar areas of our everyday worlds.

From friendships and pets, to political engagement and social legislation, the text shows how distinctions and connections can be drawn between our public and private lives. Each chapter explores a familiar topic that illustrates how individual relationships and lives can be shaped by social contexts, and how personal choices shape the wider social world. Using vivid case examples drawn from topical areas of debate, such as marriage rights and the role of social networking, the book is clearly laid out and easy to read. It gives useful explanations of theory and invaluable advice on how to carry out research on personal lives and relationships. This is essential reading for students of Sociology interested in family, relationships and beyond.