"What is Cultural Sociology? reveals Spillman's remarkable ability for analytical synthesis, and her knowledge of (often little-known) empirical studies adds welcome depth to her theoretical discussion. Rather than posing cultural sociology as a battle between schools, Spillman reconstructs it as a relatively coherent model of social life, developing a sophisticated and compelling model that provides an organizing frame for the entire cultural sociological field."
Jeffrey C. Alexander, Yale University, and Co-Director, Center for Cultural Sociology
"Spillman has produced a particularly smart, sound, clear, and up-to-date description of the state of the field of cultural sociology. With a focus on meaning-making and cultural processes, she takes stock and provides an excellent account of what this popular field has to offer after thirty exciting years of dynamic growth. Her book should become an essential tool for all sociologists and a popular reference source."
Michèle Lamont, Harvard University and former President of the American Sociological Association
1. Introduction
2. Making Meaning Central
3. Meaning and Interaction
4. Producing Meaning
5. Conclusion: Landscapes, Stages, and Fields
Lyn Spillman is Professor of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame