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This work looks into how, why, and when people pursue things in life that they desire, those that make their existence attractive and worth living. Robert A. Stebbins calls this "Positive Sociology," the study of what people do to organize their lives such that they become substantially rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling. Western society has many challenges: crime, drug addiction, urban pollution, daily stress, domestic violence, and overpopulation. Significant levels of success in avoiding these problems brings a noticeable measure of tranquility, but it does not necessarily generate a positive life.

Personal Decisions in the Public Square draws upon, in large part, the sociology of leisure, a "happy science." Among the basic concepts in the sociology of leisure are activity and human agency. The centrality of positive activity is one of its hallmarks and separates it from other social science specialties. Stebbins's positive sociology centers on conceptual roots found in the "serious leisure" perspective. This theoretical framework synthesizes three main forms of leisure (serious, casual, and project-based) while showing their distinctive features, similarities, and interrelationships. Positive sociology also considers two other domains of life: work and non-work obligations.

This new approach focuses on the pursuit of "that which makes life worth living." Stebbins explores goals that are important to all people, such as negotiating the right work/family or obligation/leisure balance and the tricky relationship between money and happiness. Research scientists or the general public may find the ideas presented in this volume help them better understand and negotiate situations, by showing how to approach them in a positive way rather than as "problems" that need to be solved.

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Preface(p. xi)
• Acknowledgements(p. xv)
• 1 Three Domains of Activity(p. 1)
• 2 A History of Work, Leisure, and Obligation(p. 29)
• 3 Balancing Work, Leisure, and Obligation(p. 45)
• 4 Personal Development(p. 67)
• 5 The Confident Self(p. 87)
• 6 Community Involvement(p. 101)
• 7 What Really Counts?(p. 125)
• References(p. 149)
• Index(p. 157)

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Stebbins (Univ. of Calgary) summarizes his past empirical work to develop the groundwork for a "positive sociology," pitching his approach against mainstream sociology, which focuses on problems. The author examines "positiveness" in work, leisure, and obligations, and the role of "positiveness" in the development of self and community. Readers are introduced to the terms and concepts of the sociology of leisure and work. Throughout the book, the author introduces new definitions forming the building blocks of this "positive sociology." By highlighting the positive side of social life, Stebbins renders a largely uncritical analysis of leisure and work, focusing on the Western white middle class. The last chapter briefly mentions issues pertaining to social class, race/ethnicity, gender, and other cultures. The author builds on existing theoretical discussions and research, yet references to some important classics are missing in the book. Nevertheless, this is a great summary of research and concepts in leisure and an excellent starting point for a theoretical debate about "positiveness" in the personal and public sphere. Well written and very accessible, even for readers not familiar with sociology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. G. K. Hearn Idaho State University

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Robert A. Stebbins is faculty professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Calgary. Among his many books are New Dimensions in the Theory and Research of Serious Leisure, Exploratory Research in the Social Sciences, and Serious Leisure: A Perspective for Our Time.