A collection of Ben Agger's essays on the origins, significance and applications of critical theory, a perspective associated with the Frankfurt School. These essays address a variety of interrelated topics including the viability of Marxian theory in late capitalism, new social movements, the politics of science and technology and the future of public life. More than an exercise in textual exegesis, this book applies critical theory to contemporary intellectual debates and social problems. As such, it explores the role of critical intellectuals in building a more humane society.

On April 16, 2007, a Virginia Tech student killed 32 of his classmates and professors and then turned the gun on himself. The media focused their power and our attention on the campus, the students and faculty of Virginia Tech, and the gunman and his victims. But we have yet to understand fully what happened in Blacksburg. There is a Gunman on Campus brings our thoughts back to the shocking campus shootings and the public reactions to the event, shining needed light on what occurred at the university, how American society reacted, and how it all fits into contemporary culture.

Based on recent interviews, this unique sixties book brings together the voices of the Left leaders who spawned the sixties movements. Many remain activists today, and experience and the passage of time allow them to transcend nostalgia to form more realistic perspectives on past, present, and future. They discuss the civil rights and antiwar movements, the political outcome of the sixties, patriotism, terror, and the role of young people in the future. Important gains were made during the sixties, but there were many setbacks, too, that influence today's voters, leaders, candidates, and our...

Based on recent interviews, this unique sixties book brings together the voices of the Left leaders who spawned the sixties movements. Many remain activists today, and experience and the passage of time allow them to transcend nostalgia to form more realistic perspectives on past, present, and future. They discuss the civil rights and antiwar movements, the political outcome of the sixties, patriotism, terror, and the role of young people in the future. Important gains were made during the sixties, but there were many setbacks, too, that influence today's voters, leaders, candidates, and our...

This much expanded new edition explores the relationship between the body and society in a fast-food society. Agger focuses on issues of food, exercise, work, dieting, eating disorders, fashion, bariatric and cosmetic surgery, and health. The new edition updates examples and statistics throughout and it offers three timely chapters that did not appear previously.

Agger addresses the dilemma that we have ample access to abundant calories but lead lifestyles and have jobs that for the most part do not enable us to expend those calories. He proposes solutions, both individual and...

This much expanded new edition explores the relationship between the body and society in a fast-food society. Agger focuses on issues of food, exercise, work, dieting, eating disorders, fashion, bariatric and cosmetic surgery, and health. The new edition updates examples and statistics throughout and it offers three timely chapters that did not appear previously.

Agger addresses the dilemma that we have ample access to abundant calories but lead lifestyles and have jobs that for the most part do not enable us to expend those calories. He proposes solutions, both individual and...

Praised for its clarity and accessibility, Critical Social Theories presents a comprehensive analysis of today's leading social and cultural theories. Author Ben Agger addresses a wealth of diverse perspectives, from feminism and cultural studies to postmodernism and critical theory. Now fully updated and revised in its third edition, the book offers a wide-ranging discussion of race, gender, and global economic dynamics; Internet culture and social media; and much more.
New to this Edition
* Addresses changes to social theories brought about by the Internet,...

Schools, theaters, and malls used to be safe havens. Marathons were triumphal, not tragic. Today, public life is risky. Citizens are on edge, either calling for gun control or purchasing personal weapons of self-defense. In this timely book, prominent US and international authors examine gun violence in public life. They offer the latest data and analysis on topics such as comparative gun homicide rates, the efficacy of gun control, risks associated with gun ownership, concealed-carry data and policy, media and gaming violence, gender and guns, and school shootings. New insights are developed...

Parents complain that kids today don't do their homework because they are distracted by the Internet, texting, and video games. Many kids experience schooling as nothing more than endless homework, distracted teachers, and helicopter parents. It is easy to conclude from these factors that young people lack cultural literacy. By presenting the writings of today's kids, however, Agger develops an alternative perspective: This is the most literary of times, and the young people of today write furiously, albeit often below the adult radar. Here, where texting replaces textbooks, the writing may...

Schools, theatres and malls used to be safe havens. Marathons were triumphal, not tragic. Today, public life is risky. Citizens are on edge, either calling for gun control or purchasing personal weapons of self-defense. In this timely book, prominent US and international authors examine gun violence in public life. They offer the latest data and analysis on topics such as comparative gun homicide rates, the efficacy of gun control, risks associated with gun ownership, concealed-carry data and policy, media and gaming violence, gender and guns, and school shootings. New insights are developed...