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Key Concepts in Body and Society
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Key Concepts in Body and Society



September 2012 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

"This is a very useful book outlining the key concepts of the body in society. It is easy to read and provides useful examples, making it ideal for students across a range of social science disciplines."
- Dr Sharron Hinchliff, Sheffield University


"Cregan has achieved something distinct: an account of the sociology of the body which incorporates both theory and empirical studies, which demonstrates excellent coverage of an ever expanding field, and which is written in an accessible style... An intelligent treatment and account of the sociology of the body, which I look forward to incorporating into my teaching."
- Dr Rob Meadows, University of Surrey


"This book is a great idea. It provides a thorough, accessible and interesting introduction to the most important concepts in the sociology of the body. Students new to this area will find it invaluable."
- Professor Deborah Lupton, University of Sydney

This book provides a clear, focused road map to the study of the body in society. It defines, explains and applies core topics relating to the human body demonstrating how we approach it as a social phenomenon. Each concept:

  • Includes an easy to understand definition
  • Provides real-world examples
  • Gives suggestions for further reading
  • Is carefully cross-referenced to other related concepts.
Written to meet the needs of the modern student, this book offers the basic materials, tools and guidance needed study and write about the body.
 
Ageing and Childhood
 
Anorexia/Bulimia/Obesity
 
Appearance and Beauty
 
Civilizing Processes
 
Class/Caste
 
Clothing
 
Colonialism/Post-Colonialism
 
Consumption
 
Cyborgs
 
Death and Dying
 
Difference
 
Disability/Ability
 
Discourse
 
Dualism
 
Emotion
 
Feminism
 
Food and Eating
 
Gender/Sex
 
Genetics
 
Gesture and Habits
 
Habitus
 
Health and Illness
 
Identity
 
Media and Representation
 
Medicine and Science
 
Modification/Dysmorphias
 
Nature/Culture
 
Pain
 
Performativity
 
Phenomenology
 
Power
 
Private/Public
 
Psychoanalysis
 
Queer
 
Race and Ethnicity
 
Religion
 
Reproduction
 
Sexuality
 
Sport
 
Technology
 
Violence
 
Work
 
Youth
 
Glossary

This book is a great idea. It provides a thorough, accessible and interesting introduction to the most important concepts in the sociology of the body. Students new to this area will find it invaluable
Deborah Lupton
University of Sydney


Cregan has achieved something distinct: an account of the sociology of the body which incorporates both theory and empirical studies, which demonstrates excellent coverage of an ever expanding field, and which is written in an accessible style. Most impressive is the fact that, whilst each entry is well researched and can be read in isolation, Cregan has ensured a coherence which means the book also works as a whole. An intelligent treatment and account of the sociology of the body, which I look forward to incorporating into my teaching
Rob Meadows
University of Surrey


The SAGE Key Concepts series are excellent resources. Here Cregan identities central issues of the sociology of the body and embodied sociology that are applied across many contexts helping students navigate their way through this growing field.

Mr James Brighton
Sports Science,Tourism and Leisure, Canterbury Christ Church University
October 16, 2014

Essential easy guide to understanding concepts for those who are new to sociology.

Mr Lewis Simpson
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
December 3, 2013

This is a great addition to our central resources for AS/A2 Communication & Culture. The short readings are ideal in giving students an overview of topics and issues. The suggestions for further reading have proved very useful. A very well thought out book.

Ms Andrea Hartle
Dept Arts, Media and Humanities, Northampton College
November 12, 2013

I would recommend students reading parts of the book if they get a chance and it provides a good introduction to the topics covered. However, because each section is very short it does not cover topics in enough depth to recommend students purchasing the book over others.

Mr Michael Rees
Business and Social Science, University of Wales
October 29, 2013

This is a very useful book outlining the key concepts of the body in society. It is easy to read and provides useful examples, making it ideal for students across a range of social science disciplines.

Dr Sharron Hinchliff
School of Nursing & Midwifery, Sheffield University
December 14, 2012

An excellent introductory text which covers a wide range of important issues.

Dr James Cherrington
Sport and Active Lifestyles, Sheffield Hallam University
November 7, 2012

This is a very good book and present a good introduction to students reflecting on the position of the self in society.

Dr Christine Corcoran
Faculty of Social Science, The Open University
November 6, 2012

Really useful, neat little book that makes for excellent, but supplementary, reading fro students on my course.

Dr Daniel Bloyce
Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Chester University
November 2, 2012

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


For instructors

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