The body in question : a socio-cultural approach

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Title:

Author:

Petersen, Alan R., 1953-

ISBN:

9780415321624

9780415321617

Personal Author:

Petersen, Alan R., 1953-

Publication Information:

London ; New York : Routledge, 2007.

Physical Description:

169 p. ; 24 cm.

Contents:

The body in question : an introduction -- What is a natural body? -- Reshaping and perfecting bodies -- The classification and regulation of bodies -- Powers of mind over body -- The future of 'the body.'

Subject Term:

Human body -- Social aspects.

Human body (Philosophy)

Electronic Access:

Table of contents only http://www.loc.gov/catdir/toc/ecip0616/2006021514.html

Copies:

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Item Barcode	Shelf Number	Copy	Status
Searching... 1:IIEMSA	1:GEN-BOOK	33168023651025	306.4 P484B 2007	1	Searching... Unknown
Searching... 1:IIEMSA	1:GEN-BOOK	33168023651033	306.4 P484B 2007	2	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

Why is there currently such strong academic and popular interest in 'the body' in contemporary societies? What factors shape our conceptions of the body, its naturalness, health and normality? What is the mind-body dualism and why should it matter?

This book examines these and other body questions from a critical socio-cultural perspective. In particular, it shows how conceptions of the body are affected by processes of individualization, medicalization and commodification. Chapters discuss the impact of new biomedical technologies on the notion of the natural body, efforts to reshape and perfect the body, the role of the media in 'framing' body issues, processes of body classification, the impact of consumerism on concepts of health, healing and self-care, and the implications of theoretical and practical efforts to 'integrate' mind and body.

This book will be an invaluable source for those seeking to understand the social, cultural and political significance of 'the body' in contemporary society.