This volume examines socially-based theory and research, pedagogy and practice in professional communication. The contributors provide a comprehensive overview of the social perspective which emphasizes the context of communication, and then distinguish it from positivistic, cognitive and other competing approaches. After establishing a broad framework for situating developments in professional communication research, the book then moves on to: explore more particular topics, issues and problems within the perspective; examine the historical and theoretical traditions in rhetoric, semiotics, literary criticism, philosophy of science, social psychology and cultural anthropology; discuss implications for classroom practice in professional communication; and describe the ways that the social perspective has changed our understanding of communication in the workplace.
"Changing Human Reproduction" demonstrates that conception and birth are as much social as biological events. The authors stress the importance of viewing human reproduction not only as a biological event but also as social reproduction. The book argues that systematic research into the social aspects of reproduction is possible, and is being done; that the neglect of social research has led to the failure to make necessary provisions for the social consequences of new reproductive techniques. The plight of the involuntarily childless who, having been helped to conceive, find themselves with three, four or more babies illustrates this point clearly. Drawing on methods from history, sociology and anthropology, the contributors analyze the changes which have been initiated by the new reproductive techniques. Our understanding of how babies are conceived, and what it means to be a parent or a relative, have all become more complex.
The phrase `production of culture' is concerned with how the organizations in which culture is produced and disseminated affect the nature of culture itself. Yet there is no clear consensus on what is meant by this phrase. Crane, in reviewing and synthesizing current research, provides a systematic and accessible approach to this complex subject. She examines the issue on both popular and elite levels. The reader is thus allowed to see how the notion of `production' changes depending on the size of the audience and the structure of the particular cultural industry.
Draws upon evidence from infant observation and linguistics as well as from information theory in order to make two related points. This title demonstrates how our prevailing theories of meaning have failed to account for how we distort meaning.
Insight into the profound differences between the value systems of Asian American and mainstream American culture is provided by this volume by means of a comprehensive treatment of social work theory and practice with an ethnic minority. The contributors discuss both historical and contemporary experiences Asian Americans have had in adapting to and integrating into American society, and explore intervention issues with specific client populations such as Vietnamese refugee women and Korean American elderly.
The individual nature of the transition from being a member of the workforce to being retired has been the focus of previous books on retirement. In contrast, this book explores the impact of retirement upon family relationships and functioning. Among the topics examined are: gender and ethnic differences; the roles of children and siblings; and the multiple changes retirement creates in marital interaction. The contributors also discuss various theoretical models, analyses of research and methodological problems associated with studying families with retired members, and present new data on these issues.
The individual nature of the transition from being a member of the workforce to being retired has been the focus of previous books on retirement. In contrast, this book explores the impact of retirement upon family relationships and functioning. Among the topics examined are: gender and ethnic differences; the roles of children and siblings; and the multiple changes retirement creates in marital interaction. The contributors also discuss various theoretical models, analyses of research and methodological problems associated with studying families with retired members, and present new data on these issues.
New Approaches to the Symbolic Character of Consumer Goods and Activities
This book compiles and integrates highly innovative work aimed at bridging the fields of anthropology and consumer behavior." -Journal of Consumer Affairs ... fascinating... ambitious and interesting... " -Canadian Advertising Foundation Newsletter ... an anthropological dig into consumerism brimming with original thought... " -The Globe and ......
Radical Theory and Practice in William S. Burroughs' Fiction
In this pioneering study, Robin Lydenberg focuses upon the stylistic accomplishments of this controversial and experimental writer. In doing so, she skillfully demonstrates that the ideas we now recognize as characteristic of post-structuralism and deconstruction were being developed independently by Burroughs long ago.
