About the book
Runner-Up, 2009 Association for Humanist Sociology Book Award
\"I blog, text, IM, email, and I don't like to be without my cell phone or have to shut it off—even in a theater. Let's put it this way, my 'connections' are more important than whatever I'm doing that might force me to shut my cell phone off.\" — A Member of a Portable Community
In contemporary American life, community has become a portable phenomenon—you can \"get it to go\" wherever and whenever it is desired at the push of a button, mouse, or keyboard. In Portable Communities, sociologist Mary Chayko examines the social dynamics and implications of having access to countless others at any time. Teeming with the observations of people who blog, email, instant message, game, and chat on cell phones, wireless computers, and other portable devices, the book captures the appeal and the excitement, the challenges and the complexities, of online and mobile connectedness. Chayko considers some of the external dynamics that emerge as these communities resonate within the larger society—constant availability, social interaction that is more controlled and controllable, and new opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and even voyeurism. Internal social dynamics involving emotionality, intimacy, play, romance, and networking are also fully explored. Portable Communities provides a unique view of shifts in the social landscape and points the way toward needed social and political change.
Editions of Portable Communities
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791475997
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791476000
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791477540
Read an Excerpt
Runner-Up, 2009 Association for Humanist Sociology Book Award
\"I blog, text, IM, email, and I don't like to be without my cell phone or have to shut it off—even in a theater. Let's put it this way, my 'connections' are more important than whatever I'm doing that might force me to shut my cell phone off.\" — A Member of a Portable Community
In contemporary American life, community has become a portable phenomenon—you can \"get it to go\" wherever and whenever it is desired at the push of a button, mouse, or keyboard. In Portable Communities, sociologist Mary Chayko examines the social dynamics and implications of having access to countless others at any time. Teeming with the observations of people who blog, email, instant message, game, and chat on cell phones, wireless computers, and other portable devices, the book captures the appeal and the excitement, the challenges and the complexities, of online and mobile connectedness. Chayko considers some of the external dynamics that emerge as these communities resonate within the larger society—constant availability, social interaction that is more controlled and controllable, and new opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and even voyeurism. Internal social dynamics involving emotionality, intimacy, play, romance, and networking are also fully explored. Portable Communities provides a unique view of shifts in the social landscape and points the way toward needed social and political change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portable Communities about?
Runner-Up, 2009 Association for Humanist Sociology Book Award
\"I blog, text, IM, email, and I don't like to be without my cell phone or have to shut it off—even in a theater. Let's put it this way, my 'connections' are more important than whatever I'm doing that might force me to shut my cell phone off.\" — A Member of a Portable Community
In contemporary American life, community has become a portable phenomenon—you can \"get it to go\" wherever and whenever it is desired at the push of a button, mouse, or keyboard. In Portable Communities, sociologist Mary Chayko examines the social dynamics and implications of having access to countless others at any time. Teeming with the observations of people who blog, email, instant message, game, and chat on cell phones, wireless computers, and other portable devices, the book captures the appeal and the excitement, the challenges and the complexities, of online and mobile connectedness. Chayko considers some of the external dynamics that emerge as these communities resonate within the larger society—constant availability, social interaction that is more controlled and controllable, and new opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and even voyeurism. Internal social dynamics involving emotionality, intimacy, play, romance, and networking are also fully explored. Portable Communities provides a unique view of shifts in the social landscape and points the way toward needed social and political change.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Portable Communities?
Society and Social Sciences > Sociology and anthropology > Sociology
Where can I read a sample of Portable Communities?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791475997
How long is Portable Communities and how many pages does it have?
Portable Communities has 318 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Portable Communities?
Mary Chayko
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Portable Communities is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791475997) and paperback(ISBN 9780791476000) and pdf(ISBN 9780791477540)
Where can I buy Portable Communities online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Portable Communities from below
Where can I buy Portable Communities?