Radical Interactionism and Critiques of Contemporary Culture

This volume of Studies in Symbolic Interaction provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary critique of contemporary culture, with contributions from experts in the field. It is essential reading for researchers and students interested in symbolic interactionist thought and contemporary readings of social situations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2021
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

This extensive volume features the insightful contributions of a diverse group of experts, including Gil Musolf, Michael Katovich, Joseph Kotarba, Norbert Wiley, Alina Pop, Marco Marzano, John Pruit, Amanda Pruit, Carol Rambo, Norman Conti, Laura Rosenberg, Krzysztof Konecki, Erick Laming, Christopher J. Schneider, Stacey Hannem, Robert Perinbanayagam, Veronica Manlow, and Christopher Ferree. Their collective expertise and interdisciplinary approach offer a robust and comprehensive critique of contemporary culture. With its extensive coverage of various topics, this volume serves as an invaluable resource for researchers and students across the social sciences who are interested in exploring current symbolic interactionist thought and contemporary interpretations of social situations.

The first section of the book explores the theoretical foundations of symbolic interactionism, providing a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and principles that underpin this approach. The authors delve into the origins of symbolic interactionism, its evolution over time, and its relevance in understanding contemporary social phenomena. They also discuss the challenges and limitations of symbolic interactionism and explore alternative approaches to understanding human behavior.

The second section of the book focuses on specific cultural phenomena and their impact on individuals and society. The authors examine a range of topics, including media, technology, consumerism, gender, race, and sexuality. They analyze how these phenomena shape social interactions, identity formation, and cultural norms and explore the ways in which individuals negotiate and resist these cultural forces.

The third section of the book examines the role of symbols in shaping social relationships and communication. The authors explore the ways in which symbols such as language, gestures, clothing, and objects convey meaning and influence social interactions. They discuss the power of symbols to create and maintain social hierarchs, perpetuate inequality, and promote social change.

The fourth section of the book explores the application of symbolic interactionism to various social contexts, including families, organizations, and communities. The authors examine how symbolic interactionism can be used to understand the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, group formation, and social movements. They also discuss the ways in which symbolic interactionism can be applied to promote social justice and equity.

The fifth section of the book examines the impact of globalization on contemporary culture and society. The authors explore how globalization has facilitated the spread of cultural practices, values, and beliefs across borders and how it has shaped the identities of individuals and communities. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that globalization presents for promoting social cohesion and diversity.

The sixth section of the book explores the role of symbolic interactionism in understanding and addressing social problems. The authors discuss how symbolic interactionism can be used to analyze and understand the causes of social inequality, discrimination, and violence. They also explore the ways in which symbolic interactionism can be used to develop effective interventions and policies to address these social problems.

In conclusion, this volume of Studies in Symbolic Interaction offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary critique of contemporary culture. By bringing together the insights of a diverse group of experts, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted issues that shape our world today. Whether you are a researcher, student, or simply interested in exploring the dynamics of human behavior, this volume is an essential read.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839820298