Social Theory of Fear: Terror, Torture, and Death in a Post-Capitalist World

Description

A PDF version of this book is available for free in open access via the OAPEN Library platform, www.oapen.org.Fear has long served elites. They rely on fear to keep and expand their privileges and control the masses. In the current crisis of the capitalist world system, elites in the United States, along with other central countries, promote fear of crime and terrorism. They shaped these fears so that people looked to authorities for security, which permitted extension of apparatuses of coercion like police and military forces. In the face of growing oppression, rebellion against elite hegemony remains possible. This book offers an analysis of the crisis and strategies for rebellion.Review“Social Theory of Fear represents an important theoretical synthesis, bringing together various and interdependent strands of social theory (including the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory, Peircean semiotics, and World Systems Theory) in a new, interesting, and enlightening way. Geoffrey R. Skoll’s work represents what is best in contemporary critical theory, echoing themes in ‘postmodern’ theorists like Zizek and Badiou. But Skoll refashions postmodern philosophy, refracting it through a sociological imagination shaped by American semiotic pragmatism. This combination of critical semiotics and political economy makes for a unique contribution to our theoretical traditions. Skoll's interdisciplinary work will interest any reader concerned with the central theoretical and practical problems facing the contemporary world system.”--Graham Cassano, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, Oakland University, Book Review Editor, Critical Sociology, and editor of Class Struggle on the Homefront: Work, Conflict, and Exploitation in the HouseholdAbout the AuthorGeoffrey R. Skoll is Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Buffalo State College. He has a Ph.D. in sociocultural anthropology and a MSW in clinical social work. His previous publications include Contemporary Criminology and Criminal Justice Theory: Evaluating Justice Systems in Capitalist Societies (2009) and Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk: An Ethnography of a Drug Abuse Treatment Facility (1992). His current interests focus on social theory, terrorism, and social control. [C:\Users\Microsoft\Documents\Calibre Library]