Exploring the intersection of post-structuralist and queer theory, this work delves into representations of Simone de Beauvoir, particularly focusing on her bisexuality and its implications for understanding the self. The analysis offers a critical examination of identity and sexuality, challenging traditional notions and highlighting the complexities of de Beauvoir's contributions to feminist thought and queer discourse. Through this lens, the book invites readers to reconsider the fluidity of identity in contemporary contexts.
Études Culturelles et Sociales de CambridgeSéries
Cette série explore les profondeurs des études socioculturelles, dans le but de présenter les travaux les plus originaux et réfléchis du domaine. Elle englobe des stratégies conceptuelles théoriques, ainsi que des études empiriques axées sur des sujets variés tels que le genre, la sexualité, la politique, l'économie et les mouvements sociaux. Chaque ouvrage partage une portée innovante et une haute qualité académique, cartographiant collectivement le large spectre de la culture et de la société modernes. C'est une lecture essentielle pour ceux qui cherchent à comprendre des phénomènes sociaux complexes.






Ordre de lecture recommandé
The Playing Self
- 186pages
- 7 heures de lecture
Exploring the concept of self in the context of a global, information-driven society, this influential work delves into how modern communication and technology shape individual identity. The author presents thought-provoking ideas that challenge traditional notions of selfhood, emphasizing the impact of interconnectedness and digital culture on personal and social dynamics. This book is essential for understanding the complexities of identity in today's rapidly changing world.
Music and song are central to modern culture--social movements to cultural change. Building on their studies of the sixties culture and the theory of cognitive praxis, the authors examine the mobilization of cultural traditions and the formation of new collective identities through the music of activism. Specific chapters examine American folk and country music, black music, music of the sixties, and the transfer of the American experience to Europe. This highly readable book is among the first to link social movement and cultural theory.
Social Performance: Symbolic Action, Cultural Pragmatics, and Ritual
- 392pages
- 14 heures de lecture
Taking a "cultural pragmatic" approach to meaning, the contributors suggest a new way of looking at the continuum that stretches between ritual and strategic action. They do so by developing, for the first time, a model of "social performance". This volume offers the first systematic and analytical framework that transforms the metaphor into a social theory and applies it to a series of facinating large-scale social and cultural processes--from September 11 and the Clinton/Lewinsky Affair, to the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Willy Brandt's famous "kneefall" before the Warsaw momument.
Fundamentalism, Sectarianism, and Revolution
- 296pages
- 11 heures de lecture
This work explores the intricate connections between modernity, revolution, and religion through a sociological lens. The author, a leading figure in comparative sociology, presents a comprehensive analysis that examines how these elements interact and influence each other in contemporary society. The book delves into historical and theoretical frameworks, offering insights into the transformative power of religion amidst modern social changes and revolutionary movements.
Considers morally acceptable response to images of war, famine etc. brought to us by television.
Identity without Selfhood
- 228pages
- 8 heures de lecture
Exploring the intersections of feminism, queer theory, and identity, this work examines how Simone de Beauvoir is portrayed by various societal figures. It critiques the limitations imposed by Western notions of individuality on the understanding of bisexuality as an identity. By utilizing the theories of Deleuze and Guattari, the book investigates the implications of these constructions for contemporary thought while also offering a critical perspective on Foucault's contributions.
Social postmodernism
- 411pages
- 15 heures de lecture
Social Postmodernism defends a postmodern perspective anchored in the politics of the new social movements. The volume preserves the focus on the politics of the body, race, gender, and sexuality as elaborated in postmodern approaches. But these essays push postmodern analysis in a particular direction: toward a social postmodernism which integrates the micro-social concerns of the new social movements with an institutional and cultural analysis in the service of a transformative political vision.
The Unfinished Revolution
Social Movement Theory and the Gay and Lesbian Movement
- 254pages
- 9 heures de lecture
The book offers a comparative analysis of the gay and lesbian movements in America and Britain following World War II. It delves into the distinct historical trajectories, cultural contexts, and sociopolitical challenges faced by these movements in each country. By examining key events, figures, and societal attitudes, the author highlights the similarities and differences that shaped the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in both nations. This exploration provides valuable insights into the evolution of these movements and their impact on contemporary society.
Exploring the pressing social and cultural issues confronting youth, this book delves into the challenges and complexities they navigate in contemporary society. It offers insightful analysis and reflections on the experiences and perspectives of young people, making it a vital resource for understanding their unique struggles and aspirations.
Challenging Diversity
- 246pages
- 9 heures de lecture
Exploring the intersections of political and social theory, the book delves into pressing issues surrounding diversity, equality, and inequality. It examines how to define legitimate differences and the complexities of maintaining progressive practices in society. By connecting theoretical insights to real-world conflicts, it addresses contentious topics like religious symbolism, same-sex marriage, and public smoking, providing a nuanced perspective on contemporary social debates.
Performing Civility
- 301pages
- 11 heures de lecture
Lisa McCormick considers the history of classical music competitions and their role in society today by examining highlights and controversies.
The book delves into how the cultural trauma of slavery has shaped African American identity. Ron Eyerman examines the historical and social contexts that contribute to this identity formation, highlighting the lasting impact of slavery on contemporary African American culture and consciousness. Through a nuanced analysis, he addresses themes of memory, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for identity within the African American community.
Identity Before Identity Politics
- 204pages
- 8 heures de lecture
The book delves into the racial and gender social movements of the 1960s, exploring their roots in earlier traditions and the cultural and historical contexts that shaped them. It highlights the interconnectedness of these movements, offering insights into their evolution and impact on society. Through a detailed analysis, the author sheds light on the struggles and achievements of activists, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to contemporary social justice efforts.
A unique and vivid study of American civic life which shows how citizens talk politics in private, while avoiding politics in public. Nina Eliasoph challenges received ideas about culture, power, and democracy and exposes the hard work of producing political apathy.
Exploring the origins of evil desire, this book delves into the circumstances that give rise to such impulses and examines how they can manifest in collective acts of wrongdoing. Through a detailed analysis, it seeks to understand the psychological and social factors that contribute to these phenomena, offering insights into the nature of evil and its impact on society.
This significant contribution to social theory explores the complexities of difference, focusing on critical issues such as gender, race, and sexuality. The leading scholar delves into how these elements shape identities and societal structures, offering insightful analysis and perspectives that challenge conventional understandings. The work aims to deepen the discourse around these vital topics, making it essential reading for those interested in contemporary social issues and theories.
The Search for Political Community
- 292pages
- 11 heures de lecture
Challenging the myth that personal fulfillment undermines commitment to the common good, the author utilizes extensive ethnographic research on various environmentalist groups. Paul Lichterman presents a compelling argument that individualism can, in fact, strengthen public and political engagement, revealing a complex relationship between personal values and collective action.
Identity, Interest and Action
A Cultural Explanation of Sweden's Intervention in the Thirty Years War
- 252pages
- 9 heures de lecture
Focusing on identity and political action, this book critiques rational choice theory while addressing why Sweden intervened in The Thirty Years' War. Erik Ringmar posits that motivations rooted in identity, rather than mere self-interest, drove Swedish leaders to seek recognition for themselves and their nation. The work combines cultural and narratological analysis with empirical study, offering a fresh perspective on historical events and the complexities of political decisions.
This book offers a vivid exploration of American civic life, highlighting the tension between private political engagement and widespread public apathy. It delves into how individual actions and beliefs shape the political landscape, while also examining the factors that contribute to a lack of public interest in civic matters. Through insightful analysis, it encourages readers to reflect on their role in democracy and the importance of active participation in public life.
The Search for Political Community
American Activists Reinventing Commitment
- 292pages
- 11 heures de lecture
The book challenges the belief that a focus on personal fulfillment undermines dedication to the common good. Through extensive ethnographic research on various environmentalist groups, Paul Lichterman demonstrates how individualism can actually strengthen public and political commitment, offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between personal aspirations and collective action.
The New Public
Professional Communication and the Means of Social Influence
- 348pages
- 13 heures de lecture
The book presents a novel theory that connects the ideas of Parsons and Habermas, focusing on the influence of communications industries on societal structures. It explores how these industries shape social interactions and power dynamics, emphasizing the implications of communication in contemporary society. Through this analysis, the author examines the mechanisms of domination and the role of communication in both maintaining and challenging social norms.
Alberto Melucci brings an original perspective to research on collective action, emphasizing the role of culture and making telling connections with the experience of the individual in postmodern society. The focus is on the role of information in a world both fragmented and globalized, and topics addressed include political conflict, feminism, ecology, identity politics, power and inequality. The book builds on the author's Nomads of the Present (1989), and is a companion volume to The Playing Self (CUP, 1996).