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Books matching: sociology

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  1. Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond is a detailed exploration of the lives of individuals facing eviction in Milwaukee, shedding light on the struggles of both tenants and landlords. Desmond's writing style combines personal accounts and thorough research to provide a compelling narrative that captures the complexities of poverty and the housing market. Through intimate stories and insightful analysis, the book offers a poignant look at the impact of extreme poverty and the challenges faced by those without adequate support systems.

    Before the city yielded to winter, as cold and gray as a mechanic’s wrench, before Arleen convinced Sherrena Tarver to let her boys move into the Thirteenth Street duplex, the inner city was crackling...

  2. 'Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies' by Jared Diamond explores the impact of geography and environmental factors on the development of different human cultures throughout history. Diamond delves into topics such as the rise of civilizations, the spread of agriculture, technological advancements, and the interactions between different societies. The writing style of the book is described as informative and thought-provoking, although some readers find it lengthy and repetitive at times. Diamond presents a theory that emphasizes the role of luck and geographic circumstances rather than biological superiority in shaping the course of human history.

    ASUITABLE STARTING POINT FROM WHICH TO COMPARE historical developments on the different continents is around 11,000 B.C.* This date corresponds approximately to the beginnings of village life in a few...

  3. #3

    Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
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    'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari is a thought-provoking exploration of the history of humans, spanning from our early caveman days to modern times. The author delves into the three major revolutions of cognitive, agricultural, and scientific advancements, shedding light on human myths and societal constructs like capitalism and free market. Through insightful discussions, the book examines the evolution of mankind, from the domestication of fire to the mastery of our surroundings, while also speculating on the future impact of humans on life on earth.

    About 300,000 years after their appearance, matter and energy started to coalesce into complex structures, called atoms, which then combined into molecules. The story of atoms, molecules and their int...

  4. #4

    The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber, David Wengrow
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    The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow is a dense and thought-provoking exploration of humanity's early history, challenging traditional views of anthropological history. The book delves into various stateless ways in which people have organized themselves in the past, offering a high-level overview of different social and political organizations throughout history.

    Graeber and Wengrow's writing style in The Dawn of Everything is described as verbose and polemical, with a strong anarchist vibe. The book aims to provide a new perspective on questions about the origins of social inequality, emphasizing the diversity among social and political organizations throughout history and questioning the idea of social-political evolution.

    ‘This mood makes itself felt everywhere, politically, socially, and philosophically. We are living in what the Greeks called the καιρóς (Kairos) – the right time – for a “metamorphosis of the gods,” i...

  5. #5

    Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
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    "Modern Romance" by Aziz Ansari is a humorous and informative take on dating in the 21st century. The book delves into the impact of technology on relationships, offering insights into modern romantic encounters and the search for the right partner. Ansari's writing style combines comedy with well-researched data, providing a light-hearted yet educational exploration of dating habits in today's world. Through interviews and primary research, the book offers a fresh perspective on how dating has evolved with the rise of smartphones and dating services.

    The author, Aziz Ansari, collaborates with professionals in the field to bring real data and expert insights to the reader. While incorporating humor into the narrative, Ansari also presents a thoughtful analysis of the challenges and complexities of modern romance. The book goes beyond comedy to offer a deeper look at dating practices, cultural shifts, and the impact of technology on communication and relationships, making it an engaging read for those navigating the ever-changing landscape of dating.

    Many of the frustrations experienced by today’s singles seem like problems unique to our time and technological setting: not hearing back on a text. Agonizing over what really is your favorite movie f...

  6. Eric Hoffer's 'The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements' delves into the psychology behind mass movements, exploring the reasons why individuals are attracted to such movements and become fanatics. Hoffer pays particular attention to fascist, communist, and religious fundamentalist movements, emphasizing the role of hatred as a unifying agent. The book offers insights into how mass movements form and spread, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary social conditions. Hoffer's writing style is described as pithy and philosophical, with a focus on the frustrated individual seeking purpose through assimilation into a collective whole.

    It is a truism that many who join a rising revolutionary movement are attracted by the prospect of sudden and spectacular change in their conditions of life. A revolutionary movement is a conspicuous ...

  7. #7

    Bullshit Jobs: A Theory by David Graeber
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    "Bullshit Jobs: A Theory" by David Graeber delves into the concept of meaningless and unnecessary jobs within developed economies. Graeber explores the psychological impact of leading a life defined by work that lacks meaning, supported by numerous stories and examples from individuals stuck in such roles. highlights the prevalence of white-collar bullshit jobs that often go unnoticed compared to blue-collar jobs, and suggests a shift towards Universal Basic Income as a solution. Graeber also questions the current economic system, drawing parallels between the proliferation of bullshit jobs and the feudalistic structure of society.

    Kurt works for a subcontractor for the German military. Or . . . actually, he is employed by a subcontractor of a subcontractor of a subcontractor for the German military. Here is how he describes his...

  8. 'The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion' by Jonathan Haidt delves into moral psychology from an evolutionary perspective, proposing a theory of Moral Foundations that underlie observable moral systems. Haidt's exploration of the drives behind people's feelings of right and wrong offers insight into actions driven by tribalism or politics. also provides copious data on experimental results, making it a thought-provoking read that sheds light on human behavior and the development of social manifestations of morality.

    If you are like most of the well-educated people in my studies, you felt an initial flash of disgust, but you hesitated before saying the family had done anything morally wrong. After all, the dog was...

  9. #9

    The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber
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    'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism' by Max Weber explores the relationship between Protestantism, specifically Calvinism and Puritanism, and the development of the capitalistic spirit in the West. Weber delves into the idea of one's job as a calling, distinguishing between wealth gained through effective labor as a sign of God's favor and wealth pursued for greed or vanity. Through detailed analysis of Protestant sects and historical events, Weber argues that the Protestant work ethic played a significant role in the rise of capitalism in the 18th and 19th centuries.

    Weber's book challenges traditional views on the origins of capitalism by connecting Protestant beliefs to the ethos of hard work, asceticism, and the pursuit of wealth as a means of glorifying God. He critiques Marx's theory on religion as a superstructural echo of the economic base and presents a compelling argument on how Protestantism influenced the development of capitalist civilization. By examining historical events, religious doctrines, and economic theories, Weber provides a thought-provoking analysis of the interplay between religion, work ethic, and economic prosperity.

    With relatively few variations and exceptions [1], the occupational statistics of a denominationally mixed region reveals a phenomenon which in recent years has frequently been the subject of lively d...

  10. 'Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis' by J.D. Vance is a memoir that offers a glimpse into the life of the author as a hillbilly, shedding light on the struggles of the white working class in rural America. The book delves into Vance's personal experiences growing up in the Rust Belt, highlighting issues such as unstable family structures, drug abuse, and the importance of strong family bonds. Vance reflects on the culture of poverty and the challenges faced by individuals trying to break free from its cycle, drawing parallels between his own upbringing and the broader societal issues affecting working-class whites.

    The narrative of 'Hillbilly Elegy' oscillates between being a personal memoir and a sociological study, providing insights into the complexities of the white working class while also sharing Vance's journey of overcoming obstacles to achieve success. The author's writing style is described as direct, honest, and compelling, offering a raw portrayal of life in Appalachia and the struggles faced by individuals trying to navigate poverty, addiction, and limited opportunities for advancement.

    Like most small children, I learned my home address so that if I got lost, I could tell a grown-up where to take me. In kindergarten, when the teacher asked me where I lived, I could recite the addres...

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