ZYGMUNT BAUMAN was a world-renowned sociologist known for his ground-breaking work in social theory. His most recent publications included: Does the Richness of the Few Benefit Us All? (2013); Strangers at our Door (2016); Retrotopia (2017); and A Chronicle of Crisis: 2011–2016 (2017).

TIM MAY is Professor of Social Science Methodology at the University of Sheffield, UK. His recent publications include: Reflexivity: The Essential Guide (2017); Cities and the Knowledge Economy: Promise, Politics and Possibilities (2018); and Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process (5^th edition, 2019).

Preface to the Second Edition ix

Preface to the Third Edition xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction: Crafting Sociological Lenses 1

Part I Action and Understanding in Everyday Life 13

1 Understanding Ourselves with and through Others 15

2 Sustaining Our Lives 27

3 Social Bonds: Speaking of “You” and “We” 41

Part II Choices, Contexts, and Challenges 55

4 Values, Power, and Choice 57

5 Gifts, Exchange, and Intimacy 77

6 Body, Sexuality, and Health 91

7 Space, Time, and Social Dynamics 105

8 Culture, Nature, and Territory 123

9 Consumption, Technology, and Lifestyle 143

Part III Retrospect and Prospect 159

10 Sociological Lenses: Retrospect and Prospect 161

Questions for Reflection and Further Reading 177

Index 187

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