Hermes on Two Wheels

The Sociology of Bicycle Messengers

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Urban, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Hermes on Two Wheels by Kevin Wehr, UPA
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kevin Wehr ISBN: 9780761847946
Publisher: UPA Publication: September 28, 2009
Imprint: UPA Language: English
Author: Kevin Wehr
ISBN: 9780761847946
Publisher: UPA
Publication: September 28, 2009
Imprint: UPA
Language: English

Hermes on Two Wheels shows the dynamic world of the bicycle messenger through a sociological lens, based on a five-year participant observation study. Beginning with the experiences of messengers themselves and moving to describe the structural settings of those experiences, the research shows how messengers work within a political-economic system that devalues semi-skilled labor and strips people of emotional fulfillment. The voluntary risk-taking of messengers becomes a means of achieving such emotional fulfillment as well as making a living, while their stylistic expressions pay dividends in cultural scrip rather than money. Through their work, messengers help to reproduce and maintain the structures of society while also constructing a vibrant, rebellious, politicized subculture that has come to represent the new urban hipster, an image continually under threat of co-optation.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Hermes on Two Wheels shows the dynamic world of the bicycle messenger through a sociological lens, based on a five-year participant observation study. Beginning with the experiences of messengers themselves and moving to describe the structural settings of those experiences, the research shows how messengers work within a political-economic system that devalues semi-skilled labor and strips people of emotional fulfillment. The voluntary risk-taking of messengers becomes a means of achieving such emotional fulfillment as well as making a living, while their stylistic expressions pay dividends in cultural scrip rather than money. Through their work, messengers help to reproduce and maintain the structures of society while also constructing a vibrant, rebellious, politicized subculture that has come to represent the new urban hipster, an image continually under threat of co-optation.

More books from UPA

Cover of the book The Politics of Gender and the Culture of Sexuality by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book Effective Planning Strategies and Proposal Writing by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book Roots of Revolution by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book Maintaining Strategic Relevance by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book I'd Rather Be Dead Than Be a Girl by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book Roars of Traditional Leaders by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book Truth in Translation by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book Introduction to Habermas by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book Introducción a los estudios de traducción by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book Cinemulacrum by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book English-Speaking Caribbean Immigrants by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book A Survey of Human Communication by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book The Quest for Meaning by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book The Détente Deception by Kevin Wehr
Cover of the book An Introduction to Models in the Social Sciences by Kevin Wehr
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy