John Shelton Reed is a sociologist who "can write clearly; has a
sense of humor; and is not afraid to express opinion," according to
"Choice." Reed's popular, often humorous, books on the American
South have earned him a reputation as one of the region's most
perceptive observers. "Surveying the South" collects some of his
classic essays, offering an engaging introduction to the sociology
of the South.
Beginning with the roots of regional sociology, Reed examines
threads of Southern continuity and change, including such issues as
Southern stereotypes and the changing definition of the South. His
fascinating history of the elusive but often-cited correlation
between cotton prices and lynching offers a profound warning to
students and professors alike: always verify your references.
Reed offers several essays on what has been called "the central
theme" of Southern sociology--race relations. He demonstrates the
success of the civil rights movement in the South and explores the
ways in which Southern identity has become more regional than
racial.
Reed concludes this collection with a plea to sociologists to
abandon the effort to "sound scientific." "Let's not seal the
borders of our profession with an impenetrable style and
vocabulary," writes Reed. "Plainly, outsiders are not
impressed."
The result is a brilliant collection written in Reed's
trademark style--clear, witty, jargon-free--that will find a warm
welcome among students of sociology and the South, as well as among
general readers.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!