Module Code - Title:
SO4178
-
THE SOCIOLOGY OF THE BODY
Year Last Offered:
2024/5
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Aims:
This module introduces students to the sociology of the body/embodiment. Key theoretical work is reviewed, incorporating reference to various perspectives from a range of disciplines and approaches (e.g. biology, anthropology, sociology and feminism). Empirical studies in the social sciences, exploring a range of bodily issues and practices, are also considered.
Objectives:
1) Locate sociological interest in the body/embodiment within its larger social context.
2) Describe and critically assess the main theoretical approaches for studying human embodiment and bodily practices.
3) Ground theoretical discussion on human bodies in empirical work from sociology and the social sciences.
Syllabus:
The module begins by introducing students to social theory on the body and highlights the case for embodying social theory. Sociology is the main disciplinary approach taken for exploring bodies as the source, location and medium of society, but we will first underscore the socially constructed character of the body with reference to broader socio-cultural changes and anthropological research. Attention then focuses on some key themes and debates in late modernity, such as medicalisation, risk, identity, the significance of biology, consumption and gender. More specific substantive lectures will explore themes such as: the obesity debate; disordered eating; cosmetic surgery; sport, physical activity and fitness; bodybuilding and drug-taking; tattooing; piercing; working bodies; sexualities; virtual bodies and cultures of technological embodiment (cyborgs); ageing; disability, chronic illness and healthcare; and, the body as a research instrument.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
1) Describe the broader societal context and recent social changes that have given rise to a growing academic interest in the body/embodiment.
2) Describe key substantive areas in the sociology of the body and ways of theorising human embodiment.
3) Make a case for an embodied sociology, which views the multi-dimensional body as the source, location and medium of society.
4) Demonstrate an understanding of key issues and themes within the sociology of the body/embodiment, and cognate disciplines that explore body matters.
5) Evaluate theoretical and empirical work within this area of sociology.
6) Analyse particular modes of body modification and bodywork and their relation to social factors (e.g. identity, gender, sexuality, the risk society, consumer culture, medicalisation).
7) Elucidate the importance of placing bodies within their social, cultural and political contexts for particular domains.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Develop critical thinking as well as analytical skills.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Petersen, A. (2007)
The Body in Question
, London: Routledge
Shilling, C. (2003)
The Body and Social Theory (2nd edition)
, London: Sage
Shilling, C (2005)
The Body in Technology, Culture and Society
, London: Sage
Turner, B. (2008)
The Body & Society (3rd edition)
, London: Sage
Williams, S. and Bendelow, G. (1998)
The Lived Body: Sociological Themes, Embodied Issues
, London: Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Monaghan, L. (2008)
Men and the War on Obesity
, London: Routledge
Monaghan, L. (2001)
Bodybuilding, Drugs and Risk
, London: Routledge
Williams, S (2003)
Medicine and the Body
, London: Sage
Williams, S., Birke, L. and Bendelow, G. (eds.) (2003)
Debating Biology: Sociological Reflections on Health, Medicine and Society
, London: Routledge
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Lee.Monaghan@ul.ie