Social Performance

Symbolic Action, Cultural Pragmatics, and Ritual

Jeffrey C Alexander editor Bernhard Giesen editor Jason L Mast editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:4th May '06

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Social Performance cover

Edited volume that uniquely attempts to synthesize sociological and performance studies theories with conceptual frameworks.

Jeffrey C. Alexander brings together new and leading contributors to make a powerful and coherently argued case for a new direction in cultural sociology, one that focuses on the intersection between performance, ritual and social action. This is a path-breaking volume that makes a major contribution to the field.Jeffrey C. Alexander brings together new and leading contributors to make a powerful and coherently argued case for a new direction in cultural sociology, one that focuses on the intersection between performance, ritual and social action. Performance has always been used by sociologists to understand the social world but this volume offers the first systematic analytical framework based on the performance metaphor to explain large-scale social and cultural processes. From September 11, to the Clinton/Lewinsky affair, to the role of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Social Performance draws on recent work in performative theory in the humanities and in cultural studies to offer a novel approach to the sociology of culture. Inspired by the theories of Austin, Derrida, Durkheim, Goffman, and Turner, this is a path-breaking volume that makes a major contribution to the field. It will appeal to scholars and students alike.

'Truly a groundbreaking work, and is absolutely essential reading for anyone interested in the understanding of modern social and political action.' Marvin Carlson, TDR: The Drama Review

ISBN: 9780521857956

Dimensions: 235mm x 158mm x 22mm

Weight: 748g

392 pages