Lebanon Adrift
From Battleground to Playground
Will be published approx. on 24. April 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
285 pages
978-0-86356-434-5 (ISBN)
Description
Lebanon today is at a fateful crossroads in its eventful socio-cultural and political history. Imperiled by unsettling transformations, from postwar reconstruction and rehabilitation to the forces of postmodernity and globalism, it remains adrift. In this landmark study, Samir Khalaf explores how ordinary citizens, burdened by the consequences of an ugly and unfinished war, persisting regional rivalries, mounting economic deprivation and diminishing prospects for well-being, find meaning and coherence in a society that has not only lost its moorings and direction, but also its sense of control. Khalaf argues that a mood of lethargy and indifference prevails, with a growing tendency for the Lebanese to seek refuge in religiosity, communalism and cloistered spatial identities, or temporary relief in the allure of mass consumerism.
Reviews / Votes
Endorsements: 'This is a skilled sociological reading of contemporary Lebanon by a master of the discipline. Khalaf offers a penetrating critique of Lebanon's society.' Augustus Richard Norton - Boston University and University of Oxford 'A timely and provocative reading of Lebanon's postwar malaise. Samir Khalaf offers an empirically rich and theoretically broad survey of Lebanese society.' Craig Larkin, University of Exeter 'This book re-affirms Khalaf's stature with its keen observations, eloquent prose and impassioned arguments about the escapist and narcissistic maladies afflicting post-war Lebanon.' Akram Khater, North Carolina State University Reviews: 'Khalaf 's study is a rich source of stimulating thoughts, which poses new and old questions. Avoiding facile answers, he guides the reader towards a deeper understanding of Lebanese society and, in general, of contemporary life in the Middle East.' Filippo Dionigi (LSE), International AffairsMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 231 mm
Width: 151 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-86356-434-5 (9780863564345)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2012
Saqi Books
€17.99
Available for download
Person
Samir Khalaf is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for Behavioral Research, American University of Beirut.
Content
Contents Preface by Ghassan Hage 7 Prologue 13 1. On Protracted and Displaced Collective Violence 31 2. The Spaces of War and Postwar: Reflections on Collective Memory, Identity and Nostalgia 75 3. Consumerism in a Traumatized Society 115 4. Touting Luxury, Sensuality and Image 161 5. The Allure of the Spectacle and Kitsch 210 6. Prospects for Transforming Consumers Into Citizens 240 Epilogue 267 Bibliography 275 Acknowledgments 287 Index 289