Microsociology: Discourse, Emotion and Social Structure

Moving beyond the traditional boundaries of sociological investigation, Thomas J. Scheff brings together the study of communication and the socialpsychology of emotions to explore the "microworld" of thoughts, feelings, and moods. Drawing on strikingly diverse and rich sources the findings ofartificial intelligence and cognitive science, and examples from literarydialogues and psychiatric interviews Scheff provides an inventive accountof the nature of social life and a theory of motivation that brilliantlyaccounts for the immense complexity involved in understanding even the mostroutine conversation. "A major contribution to some central debates in social theory at thepresent time. . . . What Thomas Scheff seeks to develop is essentially aquite novel account of the nature of social life, its relation to languageand human reflexivity, in which he insists upon the importance of a theoryof emotion. . . . A work of true originality and jolting impact. . . ."Microsociology" is of exceptional interest, which bears witness to thevery creativity which it puts at the center of human social contact." Anthony Giddens, from the Foreword "Scheff provides a rich theory that can easily generate further exploration. And he drives home the message that sociological work on interaction, social bonds, and society cannot ignore human emotionality." Candace Clark, "American Journal of Sociology" "This outstanding and ground-breaking little volume contains a wealth of original ideas that bring together many insights concerning the relationship of emotion to motivation in a wide variety of social settings. It is strongly recommended to all serious students of emotion, of society, and of human nature." Melvin R. Lansky, "American Journal of Psychiatry""