Michael Billig Livres

Exploring the dual nature of language, this book reinterprets Freud's theories to illustrate how language serves both as a means of expression and a tool for repression. It delves into the complexities of communication, revealing the psychological implications of language use and its impact on human behavior and relationships. Through this lens, the author invites readers to reconsider the role of language in shaping our thoughts and emotions.

Michael Billig's rhetorical approach has been key to the discursive turn in the social sciences. In a new introduction, he offers further reflections on rhetoric and social psychology and allows some forgotten voices in the history of rhetoric to be heard.

This easy-to-read book contains studies of key psychologists from the past, throwing new light on Freud, William James, Kurt Lewin and others. Written for psychologists, social scientists and students, Michael Billig uses the past to argue for the continuing importance of examples and the comparative unimportance of theory.

The book showcases exceptional scholarship presented in an elegant and humorous style, reflecting the author's passion for the subject. It is highly recommended for its insightful analysis and engaging writing, making it a valuable read for those interested in community and applied social psychology.

Exploring the intricate relationship between humour and social norms, the author presents a compelling social theory that positions laughter as a key element in societal interactions. Through the lens of various cultures, the book examines how ridicule serves as a tool for enforcing behavioral standards and maintaining conventions. Challenging the notion that humour is inherently positive, it invites readers to reconsider the implications of laughter in shaping social dynamics.

Modern academia is increasingly competitive yet the writing style of social scientists is routinely poor and continues to deteriorate. Are social science postgraduates being taught to write poorly? What conditions adversely affect the way they write? And which linguistic features contribute towards this bad writing? Michael Billig's witty and entertaining book analyses these questions in a quest to pinpoint exactly what is going wrong with the way social scientists write. Using examples from diverse fields such as linguistics, sociology and experimental social psychology, Billig shows how technical terminology is regularly less precise than simpler language. He demonstrates that there are linguistic problems with the noun-based terminology that social scientists habitually use - 'reification' or 'nominalization' rather than the corresponding verbs 'reify' or 'nominalize'. According to Billig, social scientists not only use their terminology to exaggerate and to conceal, but also to promote themselves and their work.

Exploring the intersection of trivial conversations and significant themes surrounding royalty, this book offers a groundbreaking rhetorical analysis. It was the first serious examination of its kind, providing insights into the complexities of royal discourse. With a new preface, the work maintains its relevance in contemporary discussions about monarchy and societal values.

Michael Billig deckt die Machenschaften der deutschen Müllmafia auf und präsentiert einen packenden Wirtschaftskrimi. Deutschland, das sich als Vorbild in der Müllentsorgung sieht, hat eine Schattenwirtschaft etabliert, die eine fachgerechte Entsorgung nur vortäuscht. Überall im Land wird gepanscht, gefälscht und manipuliert, während auf hunderten illegalen Mülldeponien gefährliche Stoffe lagern – tickende Zeitbomben für Mensch und Umwelt. Billig beleuchtet die kriminellen Dimensionen der illegalen Abfallentsorgung und deren Auswirkungen auf Wirtschaft und Kommunen. Die unzureichende Kontrolle der Umweltstandards treibt die Gewinnspanne zwischen legaler und illegaler Entsorgung in schwindelnde Höhen. Die Entsorgungswirtschaft ist ein lukratives Geschäft, das mehr Geld einbringt als der Drogenhandel. Wer seinen Müll loswerden will, muss dafür tief in die Tasche greifen, was ihn auch für Kriminelle attraktiv macht. Billigs umfassende Analyse basiert auf jahrelangen Recherchen, Beobachtungen von Gerichtsprozessen, Gesprächen mit Ermittlern und Insidern sowie der Erkundung illegaler Abfalllager. Es wird deutlich: Die Müllentsorgung ist ein massives, ungelöstes Problem, das Mensch und Natur in Deutschland gefährdet. In der Branche heißt es, Müll sucht sich das billigste Loch – und die deutsche Müllmafia hat es im eigenen Land gefunden.