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The Myth of Individualism offers a concise introduction to sociology and sociological thinking. This engaging 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. The second edition has been updated throughout, including new examples from the recent financial crisis and the Arab Spring. The second edition also features a new chapter on how media influences our lives.
List of contents
Acknowledgments Introduction Preface 1: Individualism: The Power of a Myth 2: Becoming a Person: The Power of Symbols 3: Conformity and Disobedience: The Power of the Group 4: Family Matters: The Power of Social Class 5: Globalization: The Power of Capitalism 6: Violence, Sex, and Politics: The Power of Mass Media 7: From "Me" to "We": The Power of Collective Action Conclusion
About the author
Peter Callero is professor of sociology at Western Oregon University. He is the co-author of the monographs The Self-Society Dynamic: Cognition, Emotion, and Action (Cambridge University Press 2006) and Giving Blood: The Development of an Altruistic Identity (Johns Hopkins 2003).
