The Body and Social Theory
- Chris Shilling - University of Kent, UK
- Sarah Nettleton, University of York
"Lucidly argued and accessibly written, this book avoids the pitfalls of either too much naturalism or too much social constructivism. It is a book with something for everyone, from the classics in social theory on the body to contemporary bodily phenomena like genetics, body modification, and cultural anxieties about death."
- Kathy Davis, Utrecht University
Unrivalled in its clarity and coverage, this sparkling new edition of Chris Shilling's classic text is a masterful account of the emergence and development of body matters in sociology and related disciplines.
A timely, well reasoned response to current concerns and controversies across the globe, it provides chapter-by-chapter coverage of the major theories, approaches and studies conducted in the field. Each chapter has been revised and updated, with new discussions of 'actor-network theory', bodywork, pragmatism, the global resurgence of religious identities, 'new genetics', biological citizenship, neuroscience, and figurations of the living and dead.
Packed full of critical analysis and relevant empirical studies the book engages with the major classical and contemporary theories within body studies including the: naturalistic, interactionist, constructionist, feminist, structuralist, phenomenological, and realist.
Original, logical and indispensable this is a must-have title for students and researchers engaged with the study of the body.
In The Body and Social Theory Chris Shilling has built on his expertise in the sociology of the body to provide a canonical treatment of the subject that he renders with theoretical depth and clarity of prose, making this book invaluable.
Jaqueline Low
University of New Brunswick, Canada
Lucidly argued and accessibly written, this book makes a convincing case for an embodied sociology which avoids the pitfalls of either too much naturalism or too much social constructivism. It is a book with something for everyone, from the classics in social theory on the body to contemporary bodily phenomena like genetics, body modification, and cultural anxieties about death.
Kathy Davis
Utrecht University
With many new additions, both substantive and theoretical, this volume is at the forefront of body studies. Written in a crisp and concise manner, it is an authoritative and invaluable contribution.
Bryan S. Turner
The Graduate Centre, CUNY
This text examines embodiment and theories of the body in society. It tackles a range of perspectives on the topic and is quite survey-like at times, due to the vast array of theory it aims to include. It would be of interest particularly to postgraduate and doctoral students with a direct focus on its subject matter.
Chris Shilling's books provide a foundation for any Sociology of the Body course.
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who is, or wishes to study the body and social theory. It is a fantastically written book, which enables key concepts / theories to be easily understood at both undergraduate and post graduate level. Great to have a new edition!
Great to have a new edition - this is essential reading and provides clear, accessible yet original overview of social theory and the body.
An interesting book which will be useful for the module which runs during year 1 of the undergraduate programme. Some of the concepts are particularly relevant for several topics covered on the module. For students who are new to the discipline of sociology this book maybe a little daunting.
Well referenced solid coverage for the PG student.
Great for Level 3 and Postgraduate students, the key text on the body
Supplemental reading for education students.
This is a very useful text and appropriate for the reading level of the students on the module.
