Title
The Weight of the World: Social Suffering in Contemporary Society,Used
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Confined in their governmental ivory towers, their actions largely dictated by public opinion polls, politicians and state officials are all too often oblivious to the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. These persons, who often experience so much hardship in their lives, have few ways to make themselves heard and are obliged either to protest outside official frameworks or remain locked in the silence of their despair. Under the direction of Pierre Bourdieu, Frances foremost sociologist, a team of 22 researchers spent three years studying and analyzing the new forces of social suffering that characterize contemporary societiesthe daily suffering of those denied the means of acquiring a socially dignified existence and of those poorly adjusted to the rapidly changing conditions of their lives. Social workers, teachers, policemen, factory workers, whitecollar clerks, farmers, artisans, shopkeepersno one seems to be immune from the frustrations of todays life, not to speak of the institutions of the family, work, and education. The book can be read like a series of short stories, which include: a steel worker who was laid off after 20 years and now struggles to support his family on unemployment benefits and a parttime job; a trade unionist who finds his goals undermined by the changing nature of work; a family from Algeria living in a housing tract on the outskirts of Paris who must cope with pervasive forms of racism; and a schoolteacher confronted with urban violence. Reading these stories enables one to register these peoples lives and the forms of social suffering that infuse them. The original publication of this book was a major social and political event in France, where it topped the bestseller list and triggered a widespread public debate on inequality, politics, and civic solidarity. It offers not only a distinctive method for analyzing social life, but another way of practicing politics.
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- Q: What is 'The Weight of the World' about? A: 'The Weight of the World' explores social suffering in contemporary society through the lens of various individuals' experiences, highlighting the struggles of everyday citizens against systemic issues.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Pierre Bourdieu and a team of 22 researchers who investigated the forces of social suffering in modern society.
- Q: What themes are covered in this book? A: The book covers themes such as inequality, civic solidarity, and the impact of socio-economic changes on different professions and communities.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 656 pages, providing an in-depth analysis of social issues.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, it is suitable for academic study as it includes extensive research and insights into social suffering, making it a valuable resource for sociology and social work students.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is listed as 'Used Book in Good Condition,' indicating it may have some signs of wear but is still in a readable state.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and portable.
- Q: When was 'The Weight of the World' published? A: The book was published on January 1, 2000.
- Q: What audience would benefit from reading this book? A: Readers interested in sociology, social justice, and contemporary issues related to poverty and social suffering will find this book particularly insightful.
- Q: Can you provide examples of the stories featured in the book? A: Yes, the book includes stories such as that of a laid-off steel worker, a trade unionist facing challenges, and a family experiencing racism in Paris, illustrating the various forms of social suffering.