Sensing Spirits: Paranormal Investigation and the Social Construction of Ghosts

This book explores the paranormal investigation subculture in the US, examining why investigators get involved, their methods, and the interpretive processes they use to sense spirits. It also considers how small group power dynamics influence these processes and how investigators attempt to legitimize their practice despite being marginalized by science and religion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the enigmatic realm of paranormal investigation, drawing upon extensive ethnographic research to shed light on this captivating subculture within the United States. Through in-depth interviews with seasoned investigators and meticulous field observations, the author intricately explores the motivations behind these individuals' involvement in this pursuit, the diverse range of investigative techniques employed, the intricate interpretive processes employed to discern the presence of spirits, the influence of small group power dynamics on these processes, and the profound significance that paranormal investigation holds for those who actively participate. While the book primarily focuses on the practices and techniques employed by investigators to sense spirits within small groups, it also contextualizes paranormal investigation within a broader cultural framework, highlighting the challenges faced by these practitioners as they strive to gain legitimacy and recognition amidst the skepticism of science and religion. This thought-provoking study offers a profound exploration of ghosts as an inherently social phenomenon, captivating sociologists with interests in ethnography, interactionism, cultural studies, and subcultures alike.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367568979