Social Selves
Theories of Self and Society
- Ian Burkitt - University of Bradford, UK
- Richard Jenkins, Professor of Sociology, Sheffield University
"A foundational book, beautifully framed for this new century. The old theories of self and identity must be revisited in these times of global and cultural transformation. What kinds of selves are now available to us? Which theories best help us make sense out of who we are today. Burkitt brilliantly charts a path through this complex set of issues, and we owe him a huge debt for doing so".
- Norman K. Denzin, Distinguished Research Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
This new, completely revised version builds on the popular success of the first edition. It seeks to answer the basic social question of 'who am I?' by developing an understanding of self-identity as formed in social relations and social activity. Comprehensive, jargon-free and authoritative, it will be required reading on courses in self and society, identity and personality formation.
'This is a foundational book, beautifully framed for this new century. The old theories of self and identity must be revisited in these times of global and cultural transformation. What kinds of selves are now available to us? Which theories best help us make sense out of who we are today. Burkitt brilliantly charts a path through this complex set of issues, and we owe him a huge debt for doing so' - Norman K. Denzin, Distinguished Research Professor of Communications, Sociology and Humanities, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
'The first edition of this book brought difficult questions about selfhood together with equally awkward issues of power and the 'social'. Not since Mead or Goffman, perhaps, had this been attempted in such a useful way, and in such an assured and accessible text.
This completely reworked second edition retains all of these virtues, and takes the original analysis into new territory, not least with new chapters on gender and class.
If you're interested in identity - particularly how identity 'works' - this book is essential reading' - Richard Jenkins, Professor of Sociology, Sheffield University
I enjoyed reading this excellent book and am confident that students will be able to comprehend more clearly how their own views are constituted through power
Most of the chapters in this book are set out as helpful argumentative reflections on the relevant topics. These topics map onto the topics of my Social Selves module very well.
Excellent book for understanding the interpretations of the self, this will be recommended to higher level students.
I have recommended this text as core reading material for my course on Identity & Subjectivity. It is the main text for my module, but I did not make it an essential text as it focuses on sociological perspectives. This is an important part of my course, but I have had to recommend other texts to cover psychological aspects of identity. The book is clearly written and my students have commented on its accessible style.
A very useful text which opens up theories of self and society in a very accessible way
A very helpful text to support consideration of self in social rather than purely psychological terms. Helpful for counselling students in understanding the social context of their clients.
Quite an advanced texts for first year undergraduate social psychologists, but I'm going to use the introductory section on 'Society and Self' for a specific session on 'Self and Identity'.
An insightful exploration of both historical and contemporary approaches to notions of self and identity.
A very well written book, covers all aspects of 'self'. Suitable for all Health and Social Care students studying at level 5/6.
