Modern Sport and the Cultural Economy of Sporting Celebrity
Why are sport stars central to celebrity culture? What are the implications of their fame? Proceeding from a broadly based discussion of heroism, fame and celebrity, Smart addresses a number of prominent modern sports and sport stars, including Michael Jordan (basketball), David Beckham (football), Tiger Woods (golf), Anna Kournikova and ......
Modern Sport and the Cultural Economy of Sporting Celebrity
Why are sport stars central to celebrity culture? What are the implications of their fame? Proceeding from a broadly based discussion of heroism, fame and celebrity, Smart addresses a number of prominent modern sports and sport stars, including Michael Jordan (basketball), David Beckham (football), Tiger Woods (golf), Anna Kournikova and ......
The McDonaldization thesis argued that contemporary life is succumbing to the standardisation, flexibility and predictability of fast-food service. Restisting McDonaldization engages in a critical appraisal of this thesis. Among the topics discusses are: the rationalization of modern life - the effects of increasing cultural commodification - the ......
The McDonaldization thesis argued that contemporary life is succumbing to the standardisation, flexibility and predictability of fast-food service. Restisting McDonaldization engages in a critical appraisal of this thesis. Among the topics discusses are: the rationalization of modern life - the effects of increasing cultural commodification - the ......
Observation - as a deliberate, organized and systematic form of 'looking' or 'watching' - is integral to all scientific inquiry. It is a process that is guided by rational principles and assumptions, and motivated by an interest in obtaining data on occurrences, events, processes, reactions, forms of conduct and relationships. This collection, drawing together key contributions on observation methods in social research, provides comprehensive coverage of the historical development of observational methods and techniques and offers analytic reflection on the various issues involved in the scientific practice of observation. The volumes demonstrate the rich diversity of observational methods, techniques and associated innovations, as well as providing examples of results obtained by studies now considered to be social science classics. The volumes contain important material concerned with the development and refinement of observational methods, as well as the theoretical and philosophical understandings and assumptions integral to observation as a process. Sources that explore the practical matters involved in the stages of preparing for, engaging in, and analysing observations also feature, along with material from classic studies using observational methods. Finally, in addition to critiques of methods of observation, there are sources responding to recent developments within observational methods which utilise the possibilities afforded by contemporary digital and information technology in creative ways.
The Handbook of Social Theory presents an authoritative and panoramic critical survey of the development, achievement and prospects of social theory. Divided into three sections, this indispensable resource incorporates contributions from world class scholars. Section One examines the classical tradition, demonstrating not only the critical ......
The author of this work contends that an important responsibility of social enquiry is to engage critically with the moral difficulties and ethical dilemmas which have arisen with modernity. The book provides a wide-ranging and critical discussion of the respects in which issues of reflexivity, ethics and moral responsibility inform social and ......
This Major Work focuses on critical social research, shedding a light on the wider philosophical and methodological issues and disputes associated with the topic of research ethics as they have arisen primarily in the social sciences but also in a number of other disciplinary fields. The four volumes contain an impressive range of contributions, both historical and contemporary in scope, arranged into eight thematic sections covering: Philosophy, ethics and social inquiry: themes and issues Alternative perspectives on ethics, science and social research Universities, ethical principles and the practice of social research Ethics committees and ethical review: analysis and critique (Un)ethical research, contested knowledge and critical social inquiry Questions of ethics, consent, and confidentiality Divisions, differences, and diversity: critical ethical dilemmas in social research Elites and social research: critical engagements Providing a thorough critical overview of key debates and developments over the decades, as well as considering emerging concerns and possible future directions for research, this Major Work is essential reading for scholars engaged in all areas of social research.
What factors are contributing to the continuing growth in consumption of goods and services? At what point do the costs associated with consumerism begin to call our way of life into question? How are the problems of resource depletion, waste and pollution, and environmental impact being addressed? What is to be done about the consequences of our all-consuming way of life? Ever-increasing consumption and a relentless pursuit of growth in output are the twin pillars on which the modern economy and contemporary social life rest. But the consumer way of life is globally unsustainable. We can't all live the consumer dream. This comprehensive, lively and informative book will quickly be recognized as a benchmark in the field. It brings together a huge set of resources for thinking about the development of consumer culture, its defining features, and global consequences. Adept in handling a complex range of classical and contemporary theoretical sources, the book draws on an impressive range of comparative material and provides a variety of contemporary examples to inform and enhance understanding of our consuming way of life. Smart writes with verve and feeling and has produced a stimulating book that enlarges our understanding of consumer culture and provides a timely critical analysis of its consequences. Clear, engaging, and original this book will be essential reading for all those interested in and concerned about our global culture of consumption including researchers and students in sociology, politics, cultural studies, economics, and social geography.
