Arthur Asa Berger Book order

Exploring the concept of taste, this book delves into its significance in daily life, questioning its evolution and influence from social factors and media. It examines how taste relates to choices, emotions, and socio-economic status, drawing on Pierre Bourdieu's classic work, "Distinction." The text uniquely integrates four methodologies—semiotics, psychoanalytic theory, sociological theory, and Marxist theory—applying them to diverse topics like yogurt, Celine Dion, and smartphones. Readers will gain analytical tools to understand taste in various contexts.

Exploring the constant nature of decision-making, this book delves into the myriad choices we face daily, from mundane selections like what to wear and eat to more significant life decisions. It highlights the psychological and social implications of our choices, reflecting on how they shape our identities and experiences. Through various examples, it invites readers to consider the impact of their decisions and the underlying motivations driving them.

Focusing on postmodern thought, this textbook introduces key thinkers and their perspectives while connecting them to everyday life. It features selected passages from significant works alongside the author's interpretations, enhancing cultural understanding. The engaging, conversational style is complemented by cases, illustrations, and photographs, including discussions on life during pandemic restrictions. Ideal for students in sociology, cultural anthropology, media studies, linguistics, and social philosophy, it serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding postmodernism.

Utilizing semiotics and a psychoanalytic lens, this work provides an in-depth examination of one of Shakespeare's most humorous plays. The analysis delves into the intricate layers of meaning within the comedy, revealing its unique aspects and the underlying psychological themes that contribute to its enduring appeal.

Exploring the complex nature of identity, the book delves into how various factors shape who we become, including birth order, physical attributes, intelligence, and socio-economic background. It examines the influence of language, education, and personal experiences on our sense of self. The author emphasizes that identity is multifaceted and affected by a myriad of elements, asserting its significance as a fundamental aspect of human existence. Through this exploration, readers are invited to reflect on their own identities and the diverse influences that contribute to them.

Exploring the connection between humor and well-being, this book delves into the scientific research that supports the idea that laughter positively impacts both mental and physical health. It examines the elements of jokes, comics, and sitcoms that trigger laughter, providing insights into why humor is essential for a healthy life. Through a blend of science and entertainment, it reveals the profound effects of laughter on our overall well-being.

Through the lens of semiotic, psychoanalytic, and sociological theories, the book delves into the motivations and behaviors of Trump's followers at rallies. It explores the underlying psychological and social factors that drive their actions, offering insights into the complex dynamics of political allegiance and group behavior.

This book uses Marxist theory, Semiotic theory and Psychoanalytic theory in an attempt to understand what we might call the Trump phenomenon and the Trump style. Each chapter features a primer on its methodology: Marxist theory, Semiotic theory and Psychoanalytic theory and it applies concepts from these theories to Trump's candidacy and presidency.

Exploring the significance of brands in American society, this book employs a cultural studies approach enriched with illustrations and the author's drawings. It delves into various theories, including semiotics and psychoanalysis, to analyze consumer culture. By incorporating insights from notable thinkers, the text provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and influences of branding in contemporary life.

Perspectives on Everyday Life: A Cross Disciplinary Cultural Analysis makes the argument for studying everyday life through a combination of introductory theoretical approaches and a grouping of applications to specific aspects of American culture. The first part of the book addresses the idea of everyday life as considered by distinguished thinkers who have written books about everyday life, such as Sigmund Freud, Fernand Braudel, Henri Lefebvre, Michel de Certeau, and others. The second part of the book uses theories dealt with in the first part of the book to explore objects—such as suitcases, alarm clocks, milk, pacifiers, pressure cookers, smart speakers, and super-glue—and their part in the various rituals of everyday life in America, revealing their hidden meanings.