Interaction Ritual Chains

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Demography, Sociology
Cover of the book Interaction Ritual Chains by Randall Collins, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Randall Collins ISBN: 9781400851744
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: May 6, 2014
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Randall Collins
ISBN: 9781400851744
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: May 6, 2014
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

Sex, smoking, and social stratification are three very different social phenomena. And yet, argues sociologist Randall Collins, they and much else in our social lives are driven by a common force: interaction rituals. Interaction Ritual Chains is a major work of sociological theory that attempts to develop a "radical microsociology." It proposes that successful rituals create symbols of group membership and pump up individuals with emotional energy, while failed rituals drain emotional energy. Each person flows from situation to situation, drawn to those interactions where their cultural capital gives them the best emotional energy payoff. Thinking, too, can be explained by the internalization of conversations within the flow of situations; individual selves are thoroughly and continually social, constructed from the outside in.

The first half of Interaction Ritual Chains is based on the classic analyses of Durkheim, Mead, and Goffman and draws on micro-sociological research on conversation, bodily rhythms, emotions, and intellectual creativity. The second half discusses how such activities as sex, smoking, and social stratification are shaped by interaction ritual chains. For example, the book addresses the emotional and symbolic nature of sexual exchanges of all sorts--from hand-holding to masturbation to sexual relationships with prostitutes--while describing the interaction rituals they involve. This book will appeal not only to psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists, but to those in fields as diverse as human sexuality, religious studies, and literary theory.

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

Sex, smoking, and social stratification are three very different social phenomena. And yet, argues sociologist Randall Collins, they and much else in our social lives are driven by a common force: interaction rituals. Interaction Ritual Chains is a major work of sociological theory that attempts to develop a "radical microsociology." It proposes that successful rituals create symbols of group membership and pump up individuals with emotional energy, while failed rituals drain emotional energy. Each person flows from situation to situation, drawn to those interactions where their cultural capital gives them the best emotional energy payoff. Thinking, too, can be explained by the internalization of conversations within the flow of situations; individual selves are thoroughly and continually social, constructed from the outside in.

The first half of Interaction Ritual Chains is based on the classic analyses of Durkheim, Mead, and Goffman and draws on micro-sociological research on conversation, bodily rhythms, emotions, and intellectual creativity. The second half discusses how such activities as sex, smoking, and social stratification are shaped by interaction ritual chains. For example, the book addresses the emotional and symbolic nature of sexual exchanges of all sorts--from hand-holding to masturbation to sexual relationships with prostitutes--while describing the interaction rituals they involve. This book will appeal not only to psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists, but to those in fields as diverse as human sexuality, religious studies, and literary theory.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book Grimm Legacies by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Atmosphere, Clouds, and Climate by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Maimonides by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Philosophy of Physics by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Max Weber in America by Randall Collins
Cover of the book The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Founding Gods, Inventing Nations by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Lectures on the History of Moral and Political Philosophy by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Why Size Matters by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Atatürk by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Recognizing Persius by Randall Collins
Cover of the book After Liberalism by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Emblems of Pluralism by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Darwin Loves You by Randall Collins
Cover of the book Being German, Becoming Muslim by Randall Collins
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