Enchanting a Disenchanted World: Continuity and Change in the Cathedrals of Consumption
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.80 (543 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1412975816 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 272 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2017-02-27 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Thoughtful and perceptive H Slaven This book changed the way I view my own habits of consumption. I found his analysis of contemporary trends in consumption interesting and provocative. Also interesting was his conclusion that as people grow accustomed to the new means of consumption that they have to be continually impressed by something new. I thought his remarks on the architecture of the "cathedrals of consumption" were also very important. The most unsettling aspect of the book was Ritzer's comparison of modern styles of consumption with religious institutions, and even the conformity. Made my inner fear of rampant consumerism in our society something I could understand This is an incredible read for anyone who is terrified of consumerism, but doesn't find the critique presented by zombie subcultures a satisfying alternative. Where zombie movies and posters are hypocritical (in that you're just consuming someone else's noise), inarticulate/vague, and present violence as the only alternative, this book is enlightening. It helps you to embrace your role as an active/informed consumer and better understand what it is that makes you consume.Though this edition was released a few years ago, it still captures 'now' incredibly . Interesting, yet hypocritial Well, he even talks Amazon.com as a cathedral of consumption, and brings up such facts as doing what I am doing, reviewing books on amazon.com. I found it to be hypocritical for him to badmouth consumption so much, yet he profits from the things he badmouths, such as my purchase of his book at amazon.com He claims most are subject to consumption. Well, unless you go around naked, live in a cafe and eat sticks, everyone is. This book serves as a valuable tool to look into the methods of consumption that rule our daily lives, but don't get too caught up it
. In 2016 he will publish the second edition of Essentials of Sociology with SAGE. George Ritzer is Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, where he has also been a Distinguished Scholar-Teacher and won a Teaching Excellence Award. He was awarded the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award by the American Sociological Association, an honorary doctorate from LaTrobe University in Au
Drawing upon a rich array of examples, George Ritzer provides an original and insightful analysis of the new means of consumption and how they are transforming our lives. Highly recommended to scholars and students." (Kevin Fox Gotham 2004-05-07)"I think this is a great book! I have enjoyed working with it, and so have my students. I especially like the chapters that deal with social theory. Analytically crisp, jargon free, and packed with fresh illustrations, Enchanting a Disenchanted World is equally effective as an engaging read for specialists and a lucid text for classroom use. These chapters are very effective in presenting social theory to students, as they contain very clear an
New and Hallmark FeaturesOffers a unique analysis of the world of consumption, especially the settings in which consumption takes placeDiscusses the recent global economic recession throughout Offers rich details on consuming in such places as Las Vegas, Disney World, on cruise ships, in Wal-Mart, at McDonald's, and, new to this edition, on the WebIncludes a wide range of theoretical perspectivesMarxian, Weberian, critical theory, postmodern theoryas well as a number of concepts such as hyperconsumption, implosion, simulation, and time and space to show students how sociological theory can be applied to everyday phenomena. These places of consumption, whether in our homes, the mall, or cyberspace, are in a constant state of "enchanting the disenchanted," luring us through new spectacles because their rational qualities are both necessary and deadening at the same time. Thoroughly updated to reflect the recent economic recession and the impact of the internet, bestselling author George Ritzer continues to explore this book's central thesis: that our society has undergone fundamental change because of the way and the