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| About the book |
The distinction between friends and acquaintances is often made in everyday conversation but the significance of this distinction is under-explored. Acquaintanceship can be understood as a form of knowledge of other people that lies somewhere between intimates and strangers. This book argues that acquaintanceship is a topic worthy of investigation in its own right and assesses the overall significance of acquaintances in late modern society. This fascinating book examines the topic by:
Soundly based in sociological theory, the book assesses the extent to which acquaintances can provide a sense of location and security in modern life and the ways in which they can provide us with insights, often fleeting, into worlds other than our own. Written by one of the foremost authorities in the field, this book is key reading for sociology students, lecturers and researchers, in particular those interested in sociological theory, social interaction, the sociology of everyday life and the sociology of intimacy. |
| About the authors |
David Morgan has an Emeritus Professorship at the University of Manchester and a visiting Professorship at Keele University. He has written extensively on areas to do with family sociology and the sociology of gender, with particular reference to men and masculinities and auto/biographical studies. David served as President of the British Sociological Association and had a centre at Manchester University (The Morgan Centre)named in his honour to celebrate his life-long commitment and contribution to the sociology of families and relationships. |
| Table of contents |
Locating Acquaintances Acquaintances in Space: Neighbours "Mates Are Not Friends": Acquaintanceship and Places of Work Relationships between Professionals and Clients Passing Acquaintances: Overlapping Timetables Fleeting Acquaintances in Time and Space Distant and Unwanted Encounters Conclusion |
