Summaries of books about Sociology:
Them
Why We Hate Each Other--and How to Heal
Ben Sasse
The book examines the deepening divisions within American society, attributing the growing animosity to a decline in communal institutions and a rise in isolating technology. It proposes solutions for fostering a culture of understanding and rebuilding the social fabric through more meaningful personal interactions and community engagement.
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The Broken Ladder
How Inequality Affects the Way We Think, Live, and Die
Keith Payne
The book explores the psychological impact of economic and social inequality, examining how disparities in wealth and status influence behavior, health, and societal structures. It presents evidence that inequality shapes our attitudes, fuels stress and anxiety, and can lead to increased violence and unrest.
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The Basics of Social Research
Earl R. Babbie
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods used in social research, including the formulation of research questions, design strategies, data collection techniques, and analysis procedures. It also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and the application of scientific methods to investigate social phenomena.
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Virus Mania
Corona/COVID-19, Measles, Swine Flu, Cervical Cancer, Avian Flu, SARS, BSE, Hepatitis C, AIDS, Polio, Spanish Flu. How the Medical Industry ... Billion-Dollar Profits At Our Expense
Torsten Engelbrecht|Claus Köhnlein|Samantha Bailey|Stefano Scoglio
The book presents a critical examination of the pharmaceutical industry, questioning the validity of mainstream medical approaches to diagnosing and treating viral diseases. It argues that fearmongering and flawed science are used to drive profits for the industry at the expense of public health.
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Plutocrats
The Rise of the New Global Super-Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else
Chrystia Freeland
The book examines the growing economic disparity, focusing on the lives and influence of the ultra-wealthy elite in the context of global capitalism. It explores the consequences of this wealth gap, including its impact on politics, society, and the economy at large.
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Obedience to Authority
An Experimental View
Stanley Milgram
The book presents the author's groundbreaking psychological experiments from the 1960s, which tested individuals' willingness to obey authority figures, even when instructed to perform actions conflicting with their personal conscience. It delves into the implications of the findings, exploring the nature of obedience and its role in society, particularly in relation to historical events such as the Holocaust.
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The Chaos Machine
The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World
Max Fisher
The book delves into the transformative impact of social media on human behavior, psychology, and society, exploring how platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have influenced political discourse, spread misinformation, and shaped global events. It investigates the algorithms and business models that drive these platforms, revealing their role in amplifying extremism and polarizing public opinion.
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Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism
Anne Case|Angus Deaton
The book examines the rising mortality rates among middle-aged white Americans due to suicides, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related diseases, attributing these "deaths of despair" to economic and social factors including income inequality, job loss, and a failing healthcare system. It also discusses the impact of these trends on the broader fabric of American society and offers insights into how capitalism and public policy might evolve to address these challenges.
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All the Living and the Dead
From Embalmers to Executioners, an Exploration of the People Who Have Made Death Their Life's Work
Hayley Campbell
The book delves into the lives of individuals whose professions revolve around death, such as embalmers, executioners, and those working in the funeral industry. It explores the emotional and practical aspects of their work, shedding light on how they cope with the constant presence of mortality.
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Glass House
The 1% Economy and the Shattering of the All-American Town
Brian Alexander
The book chronicles the decline of Lancaster, Ohio, once a thriving middle-class community, detailing how financialization, deindustrialization, and corporate greed have led to economic and social devastation. It provides a case study of the broader erosion of small-town America, exploring the impact on the town's residents and the fading of the American Dream.
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