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Ghostly Matters: Haunting and the Sociological Imagination

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What is a ghost? Is it a real entity, or simply a figment of our imagination? These are questions that have fascinated people for centuries, and they continue to inspire debate today.

Ghostly Matters: Haunting and the Sociological Imagination

by Matthew Green

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	276 pages

In Ghostly Matters: Haunting and the Sociological Imagination, sociologist Avery Gordon argues that haunting is not simply a matter of individual experience but a reflection of the deepest fears and anxieties of society. Drawing on a wide range of examples, from classic ghost stories to contemporary reports of paranormal activity, Gordon shows how haunting can be used to explore issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality.

Gordon begins by arguing that haunting is a fundamentally social phenomenon. Ghosts, she says, are not simply isolated entities but rather are always connected to a particular place or time. They are often associated with specific events or traumas, and they can serve as a way for people to process and come to terms with these events.

For example, Gordon discusses the case of the ghosts of slavery that are said to haunt many plantations in the American South. These ghosts, she argues, are not simply products of the imaginations of the people who claim to see them. Rather, they are a reflection of the deep-seated racism that continues to plague American society.

Gordon also explores the ways in which haunting can be used to challenge social norms. She discusses the case of the lesbian ghost that is said to haunt a women's college in the Midwest. This ghost, she argues, challenges the traditional view of gender and sexuality, and it can serve as a source of inspiration for those who are struggling to come to terms with their own identities.

Ultimately, Gordon argues that haunting is a powerful tool that can be used to explore the social and cultural issues that shape our lives. By understanding the role that haunting plays in society, we can better understand ourselves and the world around us.

Ghostly Matters: Haunting and the Sociological Imagination is a groundbreaking work that challenges the traditional way of thinking about ghosts. Gordon's work is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the sociology of culture, the paranormal, or the supernatural.

Reviews

Ghostly Matters is a brilliant and original work that will change the way we think about ghosts. Gordon's writing is clear and engaging, and she provides a wealth of fascinating examples to support her arguments.

- The New York Times

Gordon's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the sociology of culture, the paranormal, or the supernatural. It is a groundbreaking work that will challenge your assumptions about ghosts and the world around you.

- The Washington Post

Gordon's work is a tour de force. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the social and cultural significance of haunting.

- The American Journal of Sociology