Don't Take It Personally: Personalness and Impersonality in Social Life

The concept of impersonality is a pillar of the sociological imagination, which enables us to think beyond individuals and see them as members of social categories. Eviatar Zerubavel's book "Don't Take It Personally" explores the distinction between personal and impersonal visions of personhood, the process of producing impersonality, the impersonal logic underlying the notion of individuals as countable quantities, the relationship between modernity and impersonality, and the gains and losses of impersonalizing social life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The sociological imagination, which encompasses concepts such as social role, social group, social network, social class, and social structure, is built upon the notion of impersonality. This ability to perceive individuals as part of specific social categories extends beyond individual consciousness and enables sociologists to analyze social phenomena on a broader scale. While the contrast between personalness and impersonality is implicitly recognized by most sociologists, it has yet to be explicitly conceptualized.

In his book "Don't Take It Personally," Eviatar Zerubavel delves into the profound distinction between the specific and generic visions of personhood. Through meticulous exploration, Zerubavel articulates the fundamental characteristics of impersonality, the process by which it is produced, the impersonal logic underlying the notion of individuals as countable quantities, the relationship between modernity and impersonality, and the implications of impersonalizing a significant portion of social life.

Drawing on captivating examples from diverse social contexts, "Don't Take It Personally" offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate connections between seemingly disparate phenomena. From racial profiling and hate crimes to secret Santa gifting, Zerubavel demonstrates how impersonality plays a role in shaping our social interactions and experiences. By examining these examples, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of impersonal relationships and the broader societal implications of such phenomena.

Through his insightful analysis and compelling storytelling, Zerubavel invites readers to reevaluate their assumptions about personhood and the role of impersonality in shaping our social world. "Don't Take It Personally" is a valuable contribution to the field of sociology, offering a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between individuals, social categories, and the broader social structure.

Weight: 142g
Dimension: 141 x 210 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197691342