Bücher der Reihe Routledge Advances in Sociology

Advances in Biographical Methods: Creative Applications reflects the current status of biographical research as an intrinsic part of qualitative methods as used across the main substantive fields in social sciences. Biographical research has developed from the collection and interpretation of the life story interview and range of `personal documents¿ (e.g. letters, diaries) to, in recent years, interlinking with multi-media, and arts based and other creative multi-sensory methods. The book reflects these exciting developments by mapping the field and outlining `creative¿ cross-disciplinary research which will stimulate the interest of new and experienced researchers.

This book analyses the relevance of locality for a mobile group and provides a new perspective on migrant professionals by considering the relevance of social identities for local encounters in socially unequal cities. Contributors explore shifting identities, senses of belonging, and spatial and social inequalities and encounters between migrant professionals and ¿Others¿ within the cities. These qualitative studies widen the understanding of the importance of local aspects for the social identities of those who are in many aspects more privileged than others.

(Sub)Urban Sexscapes presents a mix of geographical, sociological, urban planning and legal viewpoints of the commercial sex industry ¿ sex shops, strip clubs, gentlemen¿s clubs, brothels and sex workers. The collection showcases contemporary and historical examples of the location, impacts and regulation of commercial sex industry activities in the USA, UK, Australia and Morocco.

Since the 1970s, various approaches have tried to conceptualize "the global," yet few have addressed the full spectrum of social relationships. Exponents of the global approach have instead focused on particular domains such as politics or the economy. Under the label of "world society," some have suggested alternatives to the predominant equivocation of society and the nation-state. This book shares that objective and takes its point of departure from the two most ambitious projects of that theory: world polity research and systems theory. It maps out the common ground shared by both, and assesses their potential to inform empirical analyses of globalization.

This book originates from a comparative research project involving extensive collection and analysis of primary and secondary materials (scholarly literature, statistical data, and interviews with key actors) on socioeconomic outcomes of the global financial crisis in all major world regions during the last years. Offering analytical and comparative insights at the global level, as well as an assessment of the overall social globalization phenomenon, this book will be useful for scholars, students, NGOs, and policy makers.

Concerns about immigration and the rising visibility of minorities have triggered a lively debate on the consequences of ethnic diversity for social cohesion. In this volume, an interdisciplinary team of scholars explores where, when, and why ethnic diversity affects social cohesion in Europe and North America.

This book is a critical contribution to the understanding of the phenomena of migration and ethnicity, from a Swedish vantage point looking outwards towards a European context. It presents current academic debates and gives a theoretical overview of nine key concepts in the field of ethnic and migrations studies, but it also exemplifies how these concepts could be used in analysing specific empirical cases. It explores the following concepts: ethnicity; migration diaspora; citizenship; intersectionality; racism; right wing populism; social exclusion; and informalisation.

Seeing Religion is an invitation to a visual sociology of religion. Contributors draw from their current research to discuss the application of visual methods to the study of religion and spirituality. Each chapter stimulates the sociological imagination through examples of research techniques, analytical approaches, and methodological concerns.

The idea of a social capital research program has become increasingly significant within the social sciences. This collection of essays considers integration and standardization of measurement instruments and research on social capital.

Rom Harré has authored an impressive oeuvre that has inspired generations of scholars and practioners. His work has challenged the orthodox philosophy of science and social psychology. The book brings together a careful selection of his key writings that gives readers a systematic introduction in the conceptual universe of this towering figure.

This book critically explores from a comparative international perspective the role medicine plays in constructing and managing natural and social risks, including those belonging to modern medical technology and expertise. Drawing together chapters written by professional practitioners and social scientists from the UK, South America, Australia and Europe, the book offers readers an insightful and thought-provoking analysis of how modern medicine has transformed our understanding of both ourselves and the world around us, but in so doing has arguably failed to fully recognize and account for, its unintended and negative effects.

Globalization, immigration and economic crisis challenge the conceptions of nations, trans-national institutions and post-ethnic societies which are central topics in social sciences' discourses. This book examines in an interdisciplinary and international comparative way structures of national identity which are in conflict with or supporting multi-ethnic diversity and trans-national connectivity.

Social values shape and are shaped by historical, political, cultural and socio-economic circumstances. This book focuses on the interrelationship of social values, attitudes and economic scarcity in the context of the last economic crisis experienced by many European countries. It will appeal to scholars and students of sociology, political science and economics.

The contributions in this book analyze the emergence and subsequent ubiquity of algorithms in various realms of social life. The authors address the complex interrelations between groups and algorithms in the construction of meaning and social interaction, highlighting in particular their performative dimensions by exposing the dialectic processes by which algorithms frame reality.

The Alevis are a significant minority in Turkey, and now also in the countries of Western Europe. Over the past century, many of them have migrated from rural enclaves on the Anatolian plateau to the great cities of Istanbul and Ankara, and from there to the countries of the European Union. This book asks who are they? How do they construct their identities ¿ now and in the past; in Turkey and in Europe? This collection offers a new and significant contribution to the study of migration and minorities in the wider European context.