The Myth of Individualism: How Social Forces Shape Our Lives

· Rowman & Littlefield
3.0
2 reviews
Ebook
175
Pages

About this ebook

The Myth of Individualism offers a concise introduction to sociology and sociological thinking. This engaging supplemental text challenges the dominant belief that human behavior is the result of free choices made by autonomous actors. Drawing upon personal stories, historical events and sociological research, Callero shows how powerful social forces shape individual lives in subtle but compelling ways. Chapters examine the fundamental importance of cultural symbols, the pressures of group conformity, the influence of family, the impact of social class, the wide reach of global capitalism and the revolutionary potential of collective action. An organizing theme of the book is that humans are fundamentally social beings. Even parts of our life that we tend to think of as personal, such as identity, cognition, and emotion, are conditioned and structured by a web of intersecting social relationships. By acknowledging the limits of individual effort and control, we gain insight into our own lives and the lives of others. We also achieve a more informative outlook on enduring social problems and we begin the process of developing a sociological perspective.

Ratings and reviews

3.0
2 reviews
A Google user
September 27, 2011
Completely socialistic. I had read it for a college class, "Society and the Individual." Terrible class, terrible book. If your a strong Obama supporter or are a socialist, you may find this book interesting. If thats not you, stay away.
A Google user
December 2, 2011
Anyone who believes in science and compassion that is.

About the author

Peter L. Callero is professor of sociology at Western Oregon University.

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