Sleep and Society: Sociological Ventures into the Un(known)

by Simon J. Williams

Overview

Exploring the sociological aspects of sleep and their links to current health debates, this unique text discusses why sleep has been so neglected in sociological literature and examines significant modern issues such as:

• the 24-hour society
• sleep and work
• homelessness
• dream analysis
• the medicalization and commodification of sleep.

Written by a key international figure in medical sociology, this is the first sociological examination of sleep, making it important reading for academics and advanced students of medical sociology, health studies, and sociology, as well as for professionals and policy makers involved in the area.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781134258475
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/03/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Simon Williams is Reader in Sociology at the University of Warwick. He has published widely within the sociology of health, the sociology of the body, and the sociology of emotions. He is currently involved in a range of sleep-related projects and is co-organiser of the new Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) seminar series on ‘Sleep and Society’.

Table of Contents

1. Changing Theories and Explanations of Sleep 2. Sleep Through the Centuries 3. Sleep, Embodiment and the Lifeword 4. The Social Patterning and Social Organization of Sleep 5. Colonizing/Capitalizing on Sleep 6. Conclusions

Editorial Reviews

'Sleep and Society provides an excellent inventory of the existing work in the now growing 'field' of sociological research on sleep...It belongs in the book shelf of every social scientist and will be an important tool for framing any sociological research on sleep.' - Brigitte Steger, University of Vienna

'Sleep and Society will make social scientists aware of the neglected third of social life and raise questions central to our lives. It belongs in the book shelf of every social scientist.' - Sociological Inquiry

From the Publisher