Secondhand Sociology, Philosophy & Feminism Bargain Book Box DSH1054

Secondhand Sociology, Philosophy & Feminism Bargain Book Box

This intellectually stimulating collection of nineteen books explores the intersections of sociology, philosophy, and medical ethics, with a strong emphasis on feminist perspectives. It features foundational texts by Michel Foucault on the history of institutions alongside influential works by Nancy Chodorow and Ann Oakley regarding gender and motherhood. From the structuralism of Claude Lévi-Strauss to Susan Sontag’s critical analysis of illness, these volumes offer deep insights into how society constructs meaning, health, and identity. Whether you are a student of the social sciences or a reader interested in the history of ideas, this library provides a wealth of critical thought. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Lévi-Strauss by Edmund Leach In this concise volume from the Modern Masters series, esteemed anthropologist Edmund Leach provides a critical introduction to the work of Claude Lévi-Strauss. He breaks down the complex theories of structuralism, myth, and kinship that revolutionized the field of anthropology in the 20th century. Leach offers both an explanation and a critique, making the dense ideas of the French thinker accessible to students and general readers alike.

2. Myth and Meaning by Claude Lévi-Strauss Based on a series of radio lectures, this accessible book offers a clear introduction to Lévi-Strauss's structuralist approach to mythology and culture. He discusses the relationship between science and magic, the nature of primitive thinking, and the role of music in human understanding. It serves as a perfect entry point into the mind of one of the century's most important anthropologists, distilling his life's work into brief, engaging chapters.

3. The Reproduction of Mothering by Nancy Chodorow This groundbreaking feminist text integrates psychoanalysis and sociology to explain why women are the primary caregivers in society and how this role is perpetuated. Chodorow argues that mothering is reproduced through early socialisation and the specific psychological development of daughters. The book challenges traditional Freudian views, offering a powerful structural analysis of gender roles and the family.

4. The Birth of the Clinic by Michel Foucault Foucault traces the development of the medical profession and the "medical gaze" in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He argues that the shift in medical discourse was not just a scientific advancement but a reorganization of knowledge and power. This archaeological study reveals how the observation of the body became a political act, shaping modern institutions and our understanding of health and disease.

5. Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault In this influential philosophical history, Foucault examines the evolution of the penal system from public torture to the modern prison. He introduces the concept of the Panopticon as a metaphor for the disciplinary power prevalent in schools, hospitals, and factories. The book is a profound critique of how modern society controls individuals through surveillance and the normalization of behavior.

6. Doctors' Dilemmas by Samuel Gorovitz This book explores the complex ethical problems facing medical professionals, from end-of-life decisions to the allocation of scarce resources. Gorovitz applies philosophical reasoning to the practical realities of clinical care, addressing the moral burden placed on doctors. It provides a thoughtful framework for understanding the conflict between medical capability and human values in a rapidly advancing field.

7. Sociology Made Simple by Jane L. Thompson Designed as a comprehensive introduction for students, this guide covers the fundamental concepts and theories of sociology. It explains key topics such as social stratification, the family, education, and deviance in clear, approachable language. The book serves as a practical foundation for anyone looking to understand the structures that shape human society and social interaction.

8. Anthropology Made Simple by John Lewis This introductory text offers a broad survey of the field of anthropology, covering both physical evolution and cultural development. Lewis explains the methods used to study different societies, from kinship systems to religious beliefs and economic organizations. It provides a solid starting point for readers interested in the diversity of human cultures and the history of the discipline.

9. Women and Revolution edited by Lydia Sargent This collection of essays addresses the "unhappy marriage" of Marxism and feminism, exploring the tensions between class struggle and the fight against patriarchy. Contributors debate whether capitalism or male dominance is the primary source of women's oppression. It is a vital text for understanding socialist-feminist theory and the political debates that defined the late 20th century.

10. Reproductive Rights and Wrongs by Betsy Hartmann Hartmann delivers a searing critique of population control policies, arguing that they often undermine women's health and autonomy in developing nations. She exposes the economic and political interests behind contraceptive programs, advocating instead for genuine reproductive freedom. The book is a powerful call for a feminist approach to development that addresses poverty and inequality rather than just fertility rates.

11. Australian Women: New Feminist Perspectives edited by Norma Grieve and Ailsa Burns This anthology brings together a diverse range of essays examining the history, sociology, and psychology of women in Australia. It covers topics from colonial history and the workforce to family life and the feminist movement itself. The collection offers a specific, localized context to global feminist debates, highlighting the unique challenges faced by Australian women.

12. Psychology & Medicine by Donald A. Bakal Bakal explores the psychobiological dimensions of health and illness, arguing against the traditional separation of mind and body in medical practice. He examines how psychological factors like stress and depression influence physical conditions such as chronic pain and heart disease. The book advocates for a holistic approach to patient care that integrates behavioral science with clinical medicine.

13. The Ideology of Motherhood by Betsy Wearing This sociological study investigates how the concept of motherhood is constructed and maintained in Australian society. Wearing interviews women from different class backgrounds to reveal the gap between the idealized myth of the "good mother" and the reality of their lives. It is a critical examination of the social pressures and identity conflicts experienced by mothers.

14. Women Confined by Ann Oakley Ann Oakley presents a sociological analysis of childbirth, focusing on the medicalization of pregnancy and the experiences of women within the healthcare system. She argues that the emotional and physical transition to motherhood is often treated as a medical crisis rather than a life event. The book combines empirical research with feminist theory to critique the professional management of birth.

15. The Psychobiology of Mind-Body Healing by Ernest Lawrence Rossi Rossi investigates the biological mechanisms that allow the mind to influence the body, proposing new concepts in therapeutic hypnosis and healing. He explores the role of neuropeptides and state-dependent memory in the connection between psychological states and physical health. It is a scientific exploration of the potential for the mind to regulate immense physiological processes.

16. Sympathy & Science by Regina Markell Morantz-Sanchez This historical study chronicles the rise of women physicians in American medicine, examining the unique challenges and contributions they made to the field. Morantz-Sanchez explores the tension between the "sympathy" traditionally associated with women and the "science" of the male-dominated profession. It is a detailed account of how gender has shaped the practice and philosophy of medicine.

17. Caring and Curing by R.S. Downie and Elizabeth Telfer This philosophical work examines the relationship between medicine and social work, defining the concepts of caring and curing. The authors discuss the ethical responsibilities of health professionals and the nature of the "caring professions." It offers a conceptual framework for understanding the distinct but overlapping roles of doctors, nurses, and social workers.

18. Illness as Metaphor by Susan Sontag In this influential critical essay, Susan Sontag attacks the metaphorical language used to describe diseases like tuberculosis and cancer. She argues that these metaphors stigmatize patients and obscure the reality of illness, adding psychological suffering to physical pain. The book is a fierce and liberating analysis of how culture interprets biology and the morality attached to sickness.

19. The Captured Womb by Ann Oakley Oakley traces the history of the medical care of pregnant women in the twentieth century, analyzing the shift from home birth to hospital management. She critiques the increasing technological intervention in pregnancy and the subordination of women's knowledge to medical authority. It is a rigorous historical account that questions whether more medical care always equates to better health for mothers and babies.