From novelists to political cartoonists, artists have long brought a unique perspective to important public discussions of social and political issues. Yet, fury and debate over the role of the artist has resulted in blacklisting, banning, and symbolically burning artists who use their work as a means of social critique and social change. The Art of Social Critique makes a case for the complexity of artistic ways of "seeing" social life - observing, analyzing and portraying society - by examining the interdisciplinary nature of imagination. The authors cover a range of novelists, painters, musicians, cartoonists, poets and others whose explorations of the human condition directly connect to complex methods of social inquiry often associated with other disciplines. Specific parallels are drawn between the social sciences and the theories, lenses, and aesthetics that allow these artists to gain a clearer view of social life. Artistic techniques, such as metaphor, caricature, and irony, are examined as unique methods of social inquiry, while the novelist and poet become ethnographers of social life. By treading the common ground between the arts, humanities and social sciences, The Art of Social Critique raises a number of important questions about the role of art in society: What are the relationships between imagination, creativity, perspective, experimentation and unveiling social life? How does the artistic perspective engage in representation, give voice, or unveil? How have artists examined the relationship between the individual and society, social structures, or social norms that we take for granted? Each chapter explores how the "artistic eye," as a form of qualitative social inquiry, helps both the artist and the audience arrive at a more complex understanding of society. From art as a social movement to the important relationship between art and collective memory, The Art of Social Critique covers imagination as an interdisciplinary concept that draws on the sociological, psychological, historical, and political. Together these essays reveal art as more than mere entertainment or amusement - it is an interdisciplinary way of knowing our social world.

Readings in Social Justice: Power, Inequality, and Action provides students with a carefully curated selection of articles that explore the concept of social justice within social systems of power, inequality, and resistance. The anthology is grounded in literature on social change, liberation, ethics, and critical theory authored by prominent scholars, thinkers, practitioners, and activists in the field. It provides students with an interdisciplinary and introductory overview of the field of social justice studies. The book is divided into four distinct units. Unit 1 features readings that draw upon classical and foundational texts to introduce students to key concepts, vocabulary, and theories in social justice studies. Unit 2 includes contemporary texts with focus on the concepts of oppression, privilege, and intersectionality. In Unit 3, students learn about the various ways in which inequality and injustice manifest in our everyday lives and institutions. The final unit presents strategies for inciting and implementing social justice. Each unit includes a glossary of key terms, as well as post-reading questions to help readers comprehend and synthesize information across the anthology's featured texts. Developed to help students better understand social inequities, injustices, and opportunities for change, Readings in Social Justice is an exemplary resource for courses in sociology and social justice.