Body/Embodiment: Symbolic Interaction and the Sociology of the Body

The body and experiences of embodiment have generated a rich and diverse sociological literature. This book concentrates on articulating and illustrating one major approach to the sociology of the body. It draws on symbolic interactionism, an increasingly prevalent theoretical base of contemporary sociology derived from the pragmatism of writers such as John Dewey and George Herbert Mead.The authors argue that from an interactionist perspective, the body is much more than a tangible, corporeal object. It is a vessel of meaning of great significance to the individual and society, and a social object. From this perspective body, self and social interaction are intimately interrelated and constantly being reconfigured.The essays in this collection constitute a unique anthology of empirical research on the body, from health and illness to sexuality, from beauty and imagery to bodily performance in sport and art, and from mediated communication to plastic surgery. These contributions are informed by innovative interactionist theory, offering fresh insights into one of the fastest growing sub-disciplines of sociology and cultural studies.