The Virtual Self: A Contemporary Sociology (21st Century Sociology)

__The Virtual Self__ is an engaging and exciting text that addresses issues relating to our rapidly changing society, social structure, and communication needs. In doing so, it addresses major issues in sociology that inform virtually all of a student’s course work.* Introduces students to concepts of the self and society in an age of rapid technology and high speed communication * Examines the relationship between everyday life and social structure in key domains of communication, personality, work/family, leisure and entertainment, and economics * Written in a lively, engaging style for readers without a sociological background Content: Chapter 1 Everyday Life in Our Wired World (pages 1–41): Chapter 2 Sociology's Encyclopedia (pages 42–76): Chapter 3 Does Postmodernism Make You Mad or Did You Flunk Statistics? A Chapter on Methodology (pages 77–97): Chapter 4 Adventures in Capitalism (pages 98–123): Chapter 5 Girl Talk (pages 124–144): Chapter 6 Virtually, a Sociology! (pages 143–170): The Virtual Self is a concise, critical introduction to social life in an age of rapid technology and high-speed communication. It addresses a fundamental question of our time: is contemporary society significantly different from the society that formed the theories and basic concepts of the founders of sociology? The Virtual Self addresses major issues in sociology that inform virtually all of a student's coursework. Of central concern is the relationship between everyday life and social structure in key domains of communication, personality, work family, leisure and entertainment, and economics. Ranging from Marxism through to today's 'fast capitalism', the book explores changing issues in quantitative and qualitative sociology. At the same time, Agger advances an argument about our stage of civilization, joining dialogue with critical thinkers and theorists who bemoan the loss of community and broader public communication. These perspectives from critical theory and postmodernism are introduced in readable, digestible ways, as discussions are linked to standard sociological concerns such as the relationship between self and society. Written in a lively, accessible style, The Virtual Self presumes no sociological background and cites ample literature for further reference. Students and scholars will find it an engaging and exciting text. "The Virtual Self is a concise, critical introduction to social life in an age of rapid technology and high-speed communication. It addresses a fundamental question of our time: is contemporary society significantly different from the society that formed the theories and basic concepts of the founders of sociology?" "Written in a lively, accessible style, The Virtual Self presumes no sociological background and cites ample literature for further reference. Students and scholars will find it an engaging and exciting text."--Jacket Does the Internet require that we revise sociology's and social theory's categories? Ben Agger. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [181]-186) And Index.