Culture as Embodiment_ The Social Tuning -Voestermans- [Non-Fiction] PDF_(K-Slender)

Publication Date: October 14, 2013 | ISBN-10: 1119961882 | ISBN-13: 978-1119961888 | Edition: 1

Voestermans and Verheggen provide a thorough critique of superficial views that treat culture as an invisible determinant of human behavior—analogous to the way magnetism determines the behavior of iron filings. Their perspective is integrative, seeking to link the biological and social levels, as well as interactionist, focusing on the ways that members of primary groups relate to each other. This book will be invaluable to researchers in academic disciplines such as anthropology, organizational behavior, psychology, and sociology as well as to those who are vitally interested in the ways that cultural influences shape the development and constrain the application of a wide variety of public policies.
—Professor Michael K. Lindell, Texas A&M University

Yet another book on culture? If the reader thinks he or she has read too many already, think again! Readers interested in the subject, whatever their perspectives or backgrounds, will find a fresh look at the subject with much to stimulate their thinking and emotions. The book views it through the unique prism of behavioral patterns embedded in specific social categories—including gender, status, age, ethnicity, and religion. Its breadth and scope, variety of theoretical terrains and illustrative examples explored, and the stark nature of the argument provides a fascinating paradigm for understanding globalization and its cultural discontents.
—Khaled Adham, Associate Professor, UAE University

This book, written in a fascinating and powerful style, offers a revolutionary perspective on what culture is, how it is formed, and how it shapes behavior. It should be read by everyone who takes culture seriously.
—Professor Zeynep Kiziltepe, Boðaziçi University, Istanbul

In this thoughtful and thought-provoking study, the authors present a refreshing and genuinely new theory of culture that is more bottom-up than top-down, that is rooted in habits rather than the result of normative coercion. Their theory cannot be categorized as purely psychological or sociological, because it is a challenge to both disciplines. Voestemans and Verheggen re-examine existing social theory as well as pressing contemporary issues to offer a bold and new way of thinking about them.
—Stjepan Mestrovic, Texas A&M University

This work takes a fresh look at what we mean by culture and analyzes the way in which psychology and culture have passed each other by on so many occasions. Voestermans and Verheggen show us how socially patterned behavior can meaningfully and usefully enhance an understanding of culture not as a mysterious entity but rather as a human accomplishment. A work of profound insight, this book is a valuable tool in helping us grapple with the deep cultural dislocations of the present.
—Henderikus J. Stam, Editor: Theory & Psychology