Explores a new paradigm for understanding social-psychological situations in which we live our lives. Along the way it illuminates the seductive appeal of cults and false messiahs, ways in which morality can be ennobling as well as deadly, the power of prayer, and the hidden side of personal careers.
The book gives new illumination to many facets of life -- from human sexuality to the appeal of false messiahs, from stage fright among even the most accomplished performers to suicide among successful writers, from enjoyment of opera to "morally" justifying murderous deeds. It does all of these, and much more, by clarifying four dimensions of social space in which we humans exist. The sequel to this book is WE LIVE IN SOCIAL SPACE, also published by AuthorHouse.
Explores a new paradigm for understanding social-psychological situations in which we live our lives. Along the way it illuminates the seductive appeal of cults and false messiahs, ways in which morality can be ennobling as well as deadly, the power of prayer, and the hidden side of personal careers.
This is how the book starts: “Does the fetus know it is in its mother’s womb? Probably not. Certainly not in any conscious way. Yet it is there, in the womb, asserting its existence. In that prepartum existence, the fetus is coping on its path to becoming a viable human being. “Do we, postpartum humans, know that we live in some sort of external womb? Probably not. Yet we do live in the confines of an external womb. I’ll call it social space. We may not be aware of it, but we live in, and through, and by the actions of social space.” The book examines four attributes of that Social Space. They give new illumination to many facets of our life—from our sexuality to willingness to believe in false messiahs, from stage fright among even the most accomplished performers to our enjoyment of opera.
What is it in the behavioral makeup of ordinary people, operating in the course of ordinary daily living, that lends itself to participating in horrendous activities — and doing so at times with zeal, at times with joy, at times without duress? Katz demonstrates that we do not need any special behavioral equipment for doing evil. The very same behaviors can take us in both directions for either living humanely and decently or for doing evil. This book demonstrates how some of these processes work, and sensitizes us to the potential for evil in our ongoing daily activities. This knowledge about ordinary behavior can empower us to take charge of our own direction, and help us turn away from beguilings of evil when they come our way.
Presents original concepts concerning the sociology of role theory, knowledge, and structuralism; organizes certain other concepts in a new and fruitful way; and introduces perspectives (e.g., indeterminacy, autonomy) in an illuminating manner. Apt illustrations, diagrams, and elaborate comments are presented on each theory.
This is how the book starts: “Does the fetus know it is in its mother’s womb? Probably not. Certainly not in any conscious way. Yet it is there, in the womb, asserting its existence. In that prepartum existence, the fetus is coping on its path to becoming a viable human being. “Do we, postpartum humans, know that we live in some sort of external womb? Probably not. Yet we do live in the confines of an external womb. I’ll call it social space. We may not be aware of it, but we live in, and through, and by the actions of social space.” The book examines four attributes of that Social Space. They give new illumination to many facets of our life—from our sexuality to willingness to believe in false messiahs, from stage fright among even the most accomplished performers to our enjoyment of opera.
What is it in the behavioral makeup of ordinary people, operating in the course of ordinary daily living, that lends itself to participating in horrendous activities — and doing so at times with zeal, at times with joy, at times without duress? Katz demonstrates that we do not need any special behavioral equipment for doing evil. The very same behaviors can take us in both directions for either living humanely and decently or for doing evil. This book demonstrates how some of these processes work, and sensitizes us to the potential for evil in our ongoing daily activities. This knowledge about ordinary behavior can empower us to take charge of our own direction, and help us turn away from beguilings of evil when they come our way.
The book gives new illumination to many facets of life -- from human sexuality to the appeal of false messiahs, from stage fright among even the most accomplished performers to suicide among successful writers, from enjoyment of opera to morally justifying murderous deeds. It does all of these, and much more, by clarifying four dimensions of social space in which we humans exist. The sequel to this book is WE LIVE IN SOCIAL SPACE, also published by AuthorHouse.
This will help us customize your experience to showcase the most relevant content to your age group
Please select from below
Login
Not registered?
Sign up
Already registered?
Success – Your message will goes here
We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.