The virtual self : a contemporary sociology / Ben Agger.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Agger, Ben.

Series:

21st-century sociology ; 8.

21st-century sociology ; [8]

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Information society.

Physical Description:

vii, 203 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Malden, MA : Blackwell, 2004.

Summary:

The Virtual Self is a concise, critical introduction to social life in an age of rapid technology and high-speed communication. It addresses a fundamental question of our time: is contemporary society significantly different from the society that formed the theories and basic concepts of the founders of sociology? The Virtual Self addresses major issues in sociology that inform virtually all of a student's coursework. Of central concern is the relationship between everyday life and social structure in key domains of communication, personality, work family, leisure and entertainment, and economics. Ranging from Marxism through to today's 'fast capitalism', the book explores changing issues in quantitative and qualitative sociology. At the same time, Agger advances an argument about our stage of civilization, joining dialogue with critical thinkers and theorists who bemoan the loss of community and broader public communication. These perspectives from critical theory and postmodernism are introduced in readable, digestible ways, as discussions are linked to standard sociological concerns such as the relationship between self and society. Written in a lively, accessible style, The Virtual Self presumes no sociological background and cites ample literature for further reference. Students and scholars will find it an engaging and exciting text.

Contents:

1 Everyday Life in Our Wired World 1

2 Sociology's Encyclopedia 42

3 Does Postmodernism Make You Mad or Did You Flunk Statistics? A Chapter on Methodology 77

4 Adventures in Capitalism 98

5 Girl Talk 124

6 Virtually, a Sociology! 145.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [181]-186) and index.

ISBN:

0631216480

0631216499

OCLC:

52182517