Virtual Self

Ben Agger is Professor of Sociology and Humanities at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he also directs the Center for Theory. He publishes in critical theory and cultural studies. His most recent books include Public Sociology: From Social Facts to Literary Acts (2000) and Postponing the Postmodern: Sociological Practices, Selves and Theories (2002).

"Those interested in knowing more about occupations at an individual or societal level will learn much from this book, which offers a wide and forward-looking sociological perspective." Journal of Occupational Science "This is a bold, innovative work; a powerful study that attests to the cultural construction of the virtual and ‘real’ self in an often terrifying post-industrial world. Ben Agger is America’s leading sociological theorist in the critical school tradition. Classical and contemporary sociological theory ignored the issues he addresses in this book: namely how the self is embedded in technology. Agger corrects this oversight, and in the process has written a book that belongs on the shelf of all serious students of self, the media, culture, and the organization of everyday life." – Norman K. Denzin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign "The Virtual Self explores the many challenges posed by ‘virtuality’ for ethical, political, and social analysis. Agger mobilizes a wide-ranging style of intertextual criticism that engagingly illustrates why virtual selves and network societies must become a new focus for contemporary social research. His accessible approach and conversational style make this an ideal book for courses in several different disciplines." – Timothy W. Luke, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Preface. 1. Everyday Life in Our Wired World.2. Sociology’s Encyclopedia.3. Does Postmodernism Make You Mad? or, Did You Flunk Statistics?.4. Adventures in Capitalism.5. Girl Talk.6. Virtually, a Sociology!.Glossary.References.Index