| Microsociology: Discourse, Emotion, and Social Structure Contributor(s): Scheff, Thomas J. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0226736679 ISBN-13: 9780226736679 Publisher: University of Chicago Press OUR PRICE: $32.67 Product Type: Paperback Published: December 1994 Annotation: Moving beyond the traditional boundaries of sociological investigation, Thomas J. Scheff brings together the study of communication and the social psychology of emotions to explore the microworld of thoughts, feelings, and moods. Insisting on the significance of emotion in human relations, Scheff demonstrates the basic role of pride and shame in social bonding, their function as universal motives, and the disruption caused by failure to acknowledge these emotions in modern societies. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Sociology - General - Political Science |
| Dewey: 302 |
| Physical Information: 0.55" H x 6.02" W x 9.03" (0.60 lbs) 232 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Moving beyond the traditional boundaries of sociological investigation, Thomas J. Scheff brings together the study of communication and the social psychology of emotions to explore the microworld of thoughts, feelings, and moods. Drawing on strikingly diverse and rich sources--the findings of artificial intelligence and cognitive science, and examples from literary dialogues and psychiatric interviews--Scheff provides an inventive account of the nature of social life and a theory of motivation that brilliantly accounts for the immense complexity involved in understanding even the most routine conversation. A major contribution to some central debates in social theory at the present time. . . . What Thomas Scheff seeks to develop is essentially a quite novel account of the nature of social life, its relation to language and human reflexivity, in which he insists upon the importance of a theory of emotion. . . . A work of true originality and jolting impact. . . . Microsociology is of exceptional interest, which bears witness to the very creativity which it puts at the center of human social contact. --Anthony Giddens, from the Foreword Scheff provides a rich theory that can easily generate further exploration. And he drives home the message that sociological work on interaction, social bonds, and society cannot ignore human emotionality.--Candace Clark, American Journal of Sociology This outstanding and ground-breaking little volume contains a wealth of original ideas that bring together many insights concerning the relationship of emotion to motivation in a wide variety of social settings. It is strongly recommended to all serious students of emotion, of society, and of human nature.--Melvin R. Lansky, American Journal of Psychiatry |
Contributor Bio(s): Scheff, Thomas J.: - Thomas J. Scheffis professor emeritusin theDepartment of Sociology at theUniversity of California, Santa Barbara. His fields of study are the emotional/relational world, mental illness, restorative justice, and collective violence. |