This exciting new book is about the narrative turn in sociology, an approach that views lived experience as constructed, at least in part, by the stories that people tell about it. The book is organized around four themes family and place, the body, education and work, and the passage of time that tell a story about the life course and touch on a wide range of enduring sociological topics. The first chapter explores some of the theories of narrative that mark contemporary social analysis. Introductions to the four sections identify the narrative style and sociological themes that the essays reflect. The heart of the book, however, is not about narrative but of narrative: scholars who have been involved in class, racial/ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, and disability studies compellingly write about their own life experiences.

A definitive reader on the narrative approach and introduction to the field

Social scientists increasingly invoke "narrative" in their theory and research. This book explores the wide range of work in sociology, psychology and cultural studies in which narrative approaches have been used to study meaning, subjectivity, politics, and power in concrete contexts.The Uses of Narrative presents a range of case studies, including: Princess Diana's Panorama interview, media coverage of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, memoirs of the wives of scientists who made the first atomic bomb, popular images of gay marriage, and the effect of the "Velvet Revolution" on writing autobiography.The book brings together contributions from European, Australian, and North American researchers, indicating the diversity and potential of narrative approaches. The editors adopt a distinctive and unique psychosocial approach to narrative, and set the individual chapters in the context of three broad themes: culture, life histories, and discourse. The Uses of Narrative complicates, challenges and stimulates--it will be of vital interest to sociologists, psychologists, social theorists, students of cultural studies, and others who are interested in the relationships between meaning, self and society.

Qualitative Research in Sociology offers a hands-on guide to doing qualitative research in sociology. It provides an introductory survey of the methodological and theoretical dimensions of qualitative research as practiced by those interested in the study of social life. Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is shown how these methods work and how their outcomes may be interpreted. Practically focused throughout, the book also offers constructive advice for students analyzing and writing their research projects. The book has a flowing narrative and student-friendly structure which makes it accessible to and popular with students. It will be an invaluable resource for students and researchers, helping them to undertake effective qualitative research in both sociology and courses in social research across the social sciences.

In 14 essays, US and Canadian sociologists of religion cultivate the growing gender and feminist consciousness in their profession, and challenge established scholars and graduate students to be cognizant of it. They combine biography and scholarly pursuits, academic rigor and personal passion. There is no index. c. Book News Inc.

'A brilliant synthetic essay of theoretical importance in its own right.' Jeffrey C. Alexander, Yale University, USA 'McLennan takes us on an absorbing journey that will provide illumination to newcomers to sociology and seasoned veterans alike. This is a fascinating version of the story so far, and an expansive vision of the road ahead.' Rob Stones, University of Essex, UK What does sociology involve? How did its key concepts and perspectives develop? What is the scope and relevance of sociology today? These are the fundamental questions that motivate every new and returning student of sociology, and they lie at the heart of this unique book. Situating sociology within the wider context of social theory, Story of Sociology takes us from the intellectual tensions of Enlightenment thought, through the American-dominated twentieth century, to the latest debates in the discipline. Accessible and inspiring, succinct yet challenging, this book is an ideal companion to any introductory sociology or social theory course. 'This is an excellent short introduction to sociological theory, superbly capturing the dilemmas of sociological argument as well as its different traditions and sensibilities.' John Holmwood, University of Nottingham, UK 'Story of Sociology is more than a simple history; it is a compelling invitation to enter the sociological imagination. Extraordinary in its scope and clarity, this book links current departures to enduring themes and captures the dynamic positioning of sociology in the contemporary age.' Lisa Adkins, University of Newcastle, Australia

In this groundbreaking work, Norman R. Petersen integrates contemporary literary-critical, sociological,and anthropological insights into the traditional arena of historical-critical methods. he demonstrates how these new approaches can be used to interpret biblical texts, especially Paul's letters. The Letter to Philemon serves as a case study. Yet Petersen focuses on the narrative world of Paul as well, for one cannot be truly understood without the other. This work articulates a sociology of letters, explores the social structures which underlie the social relations of the actors in Paul's world, and deals with the systems of belief, knowledge, and value that define the identities of these actors and motivate their actions. Here is cutting-edge scholarship.