Making the Familiar Strange: Sociology Contra Reification

This book explores the sociological maxim, "make the familiar strange," and discusses the methodological questions of why and how sociologists should do so. It argues that the primary barrier to sociological knowledge is our experience of the social world as fixed and unchangeable, and proposes that sociologists should constitute the familiar as the strange through a process of social defamiliarization. The book appeals to sociologists of any specialty and theoretical persuasion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the profound significance and far-reaching implications of the sociological maxim, 'make the familiar strange.' It addresses the methodological challenges of why and how sociologists should embrace this approach, exploring the meaning of 'making the familiar strange,' its benefits for sociological research and theory, and the four central concepts that underpin it: reification, familiarity, strangeness, and defamiliarization. By examining the enigmatic concept of reification, the author argues that the primary obstacle to sociological knowledge lies in our perception of the social world as fixed and unchangeable. Consequently, the importance of constituting the familiar as the strange emerges through a process of social defamiliarization, which requires a more methodical approach by reflecting on heuristics and patterns of thinking that render society strange. This volume represents the first concerted effort to explore an essential aspect of the sociological imagination, appealing to sociologists across various specialties and theoretical persuasions.

Reification: Reification refers to the process by which social phenomena are perceived and interpreted as stable, permanent, and independent entities, separate from the individuals and social structures that constitute them. This phenomenon occurs when social relationships and processes are reduced to abstract concepts and taken out of their context, leading to a distorted understanding of reality. For example, when we perceive economic markets as self-regulating systems or social hierarchies as natural and inevitable, we are engaging in reification.

Familiarity: Familiarity, on the other hand, refers to the sense of familiarity and comfort we have with the social world around us. It is the familiarity that allows us to navigate our social lives with ease and to reproduce the social norms and institutions that govern our society. Familiarity can be both a source of stability and a barrier to change, as it can blind us to the complexities and contradictions of the social world.

Strangeness: Strangeness, as the third concept, refers to the unfamiliar and unfamiliar aspects of the social world. It encompasses the unfamiliar experiences, perspectives, and behaviors that challenge our assumptions and beliefs about the world. Strangeness can be both exciting and threatening, as it opens up new possibilities for understanding and change but also exposes us to risks and uncertainties.

Defamiliarization: Defamiliarization, the fourth and final concept, is the process of making the familiar strange. It involves challenging our assumptions and beliefs about the social world and exposing them to new ways of thinking and perceiving. Defamiliarization can be achieved through various means, such as literature, art, and social research. By defamiliarizing the familiar, sociologists can gain a deeper understanding of the social world and develop new theories and insights that challenge the status quo.

In conclusion, this book explores the meaning and implications of the sociological maxim, 'make the familiar strange.' It addresses the methodological challenges of why and how sociologists should embrace this approach, highlighting the benefits it brings to sociological research and theory. Through the examination of reification, familiarity, strangeness, and defamiliarization, the author argues that the primary barrier to sociological knowledge lies in our perception of the social world as fixed and unchangeable. By constituting the familiar as the strange through social defamiliarization and reflecting on heuristics and patterns of thinking that render society strange, sociologists can gain a deeper understanding of the social world and develop new theories and insights that challenge the status quo. This volume is a valuable resource for sociologists of any specialty and theoretical persuasion, as it contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the role of sociological imagination in shaping our understanding of society.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367552800