ABSTRACT
The body and experiences of embodiment have generated a rich and diverse sociological literature. This volume articulates and illustrates one major approach to the sociology of the body: symbolic interactionism, an increasingly prevalent theoretical base of contemporary sociology derived from the pragmatism of writers such as John Dewey, William James, Charles Peirce, Charles Cooley and George Herbert Mead. The authors argue that, from an interactionist perspective, the body is much more than a tangible, corporeal object - it is a vessel of great significance to the individual and society. From this perspective, body, self and social interaction are intimately interrelated and constantly reconfigured. The collection constitutes a unique anthology of empirical research on the body, from health and illness to sexuality, from beauty and imagery to bodily performance in sport and art, and from mediated communication to plastic surgery. The contributions are informed by innovative interactionist theory, offering fresh insights into one of the fastest growing sub-disciplines of sociology and cultural studies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|48 pages
The Looking-Glass Body: Reflexivity as Embodiment
part 2|56 pages
The Dramaturgical Body: Body as Performance
part 3|58 pages
The Phenomenological Body: Body as Province of Meaning
part 4|48 pages
The Socio-Semiotic Body: Body as Trace of Culture
part 5|48 pages
The Narrative Body: Body as Story
part |18 pages
Conclusion