Self, Identity, and Collective Action

Self, Identity, and Collective Action argues that the self and action are closely related, and Francine Tremblay draws on the work of George Herbert Mead, Han Joas, and Axel Honneth to explore this relationship. She believes that sociology must be radical, committed, and passionate to revisit Mead's work and its relevance to action.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Self, Identity, and Collective Action is a book that explores the relationship between the self and action, drawing on the works of George Herbert Mead, Han Joas, and Axel Honneth, as well as the authors' own personal and academic identities and journeys. Francine Tremblay argues that Mead's work and its link to action must be revisited and given its rightful place in sociology, which should be radical, committed, and passionate.

The book begins by examining the concept of the self and how it is constructed through social interaction. Mead's theory of the self-concept, which emphasizes the importance of socialization and the development of a sense of self through social interaction, is discussed. Tremblay then explores the relationship between the self and action, arguing that the self is not a static entity but is constantly shaped and influenced by the actions that we take.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of collective action. Tremblay argues that collective action is essential for social change and that it requires individuals to work together to achieve a common goal. She discusses the various factors that can influence collective action, including social norms, values, and beliefs, as well as the role of leadership and social movements.

Tremblay also examines the role of identity in collective action. She argues that identity is a complex and multifaceted concept that can shape our actions and our relationships with others. She discusses the different types of identity, including personal identity, social identity, and cultural identity, and how they can influence our behavior.

One of the challenges that Tremblay identifies in the book is the issue of social inequality. She argues that social inequality is a major barrier to collective action and that it requires individuals to work together to address it. She discusses the various strategies that can be used to address social inequality, including social policy, education, and social activism.

In addition to these themes, Self, Identity, and Collective Action also includes a number of case studies that illustrate the relationship between the self and action. These case studies include the civil rights movement, the women's rights movement, and the environmental movement. Tremblay discusses the strategies that were used in these movements to achieve their goals and the challenges that they faced along the way.

One of the strengths of the book is its ability to bring together a wide range of theoretical perspectives and to apply them to real-world situations. Tremblay's writing is clear and accessible, and she provides a lot of examples to illustrate her points. She also includes a number of exercises and activities that can help readers to apply the concepts to their own lives.

However, the book also has some limitations. One of the main limitations is that it is primarily focused on Western societies. While Tremblay does discuss the role of identity in collective action in other parts of the world, she does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the issue. This can be a significant limitation for readers who are interested in understanding the role of identity in collective action in other cultures.

Another limitation of the book is that it can be quite dense and difficult to read. Tremblay's writing is often complex and requires a lot of attention to detail. This can make it difficult for readers who are not familiar with the theoretical concepts that she discusses.

Despite these limitations, Self, Identity, and Collective Action is a valuable book that provides a lot of insight into the relationship between the self and action. Tremblay's writing is clear and accessible, and she provides a lot of examples to illustrate her points. She also includes a number of exercises and activities that can help readers to apply the concepts to their own lives.

In conclusion, Self, Identity, and Collective Action is a book that explores the relationship between the self and action, drawing on the works of George Herbert Mead, Han Joas, and Axel Honneth, as well as the authors' own personal and academic identities and journeys. Francine Tremblay argues that Mead's work and its link to action must be revisited and given its rightful place in sociology, which should be radical, committed, and passionate. The book includes a number of case studies that illustrate the relationship between the self and action, and it provides a lot of insight into the challenges that individuals face in achieving social change. However, the book also has some limitations, including its focus on Western societies and its density and difficulty to read. Despite these limitations, Self, Identity, and Collective Action is a valuable book that provides a lot of insight into the relationship between the self and action.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 241 x 158 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666908114