The Body: Social Process and Cultural Theory

Title: The Body: Social Process and Cultural Theory

Author: Mike Featherstone, Mike Hepworth, and Bryan S Turner

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd; 1st edition

Publication Year: 1991

ISBN:  0803984138

This challenging volume reasserts the centrality of the body within social theory as a means to understanding the complex interrelations between nature, culture and society. At a theoretical level, the volume explores the origins of a social theory of the body in sources ranging from the work of Nietzsche to contemporary feminist theory. The importance of a theoretical understanding of the body to social and cultural analysis of contemporary societies is demonstrated through specific case studies. These range from the expression of the emotions, romantic love, dietary practice, consumer culture, fitness and beauty, to media images of women and sexuality.