The Body in Question: A Socio-Cultural Approach / Edition 1

by Alan Petersen

Overview

Why is there currently such strong academic and popular interest in 'the body' in contemporary societies? What factors shape our conceptions of the body, its naturalness, health and normality? What is the mind-body dualism and why should it matter?

This book examines these and other body questions from a critical socio-cultural perspective. In particular, it shows how conceptions of the body are affected by processes of individualization, medicalization and commodification. Chapters discuss the impact of new biomedical technologies on the notion of the natural body, efforts to reshape and perfect the body, the role of the media in 'framing' body issues, processes of body classification, the impact of consumerism on concepts of health, healing and self-care, and the implications of theoretical and practical efforts to 'integrate' mind and body.

This book will be an invaluable source for those seeking to understand the social, cultural and political significance of 'the body' in contemporary society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415321624
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/14/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Alan Petersen is Professor of Sociology, and Research Coordinator, in the School of Law and Social Sciences, The University of Plymouth.

Table of Contents

1. The Body in Question: An Introduction 2. What is a Natural Body? 3. Reshaping and Perfecting Bodies 4. The Classification and Regulation of Bodies 5. Powers of Mind Over Body 6. The Future of ‘The Body’