Culture of Exception: Sociology Facing the Camp

Paperback

Main Details

Title Culture of Exception: Sociology Facing the Camp
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Carsten B. Laustsen
By (author) Bulent Diken
SeriesInternational Library of Sociology
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback
Pages:224
Dimensions(mm): Height 234,Width 156
ISBN/Barcode 9780415351225
ClassificationsDewey:301
Audience
General
Edition New edition
Illustrations 4 line drawings

Publishing Details

Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint Routledge
Publication Date 1 February 2005
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

We live in an ever-fragmenting society, in which distinctions between culture and nature, biology and politics, law and transgression, mobility and immobility, reality and representation, seem to be disappearing. This book demonstrates the hidden logic beneath this process, which is also the logic of 'the camp'. Social theory has traditionally interpreted the camp as an anomaly, as an exceptional site situated on the margins of society, aiming to neutralise its 'failed citizens' and 'enemies'. However, in contemporary society, 'the camp' has now become the rule and consequently a new interrogation of its logic is necessary. In this exceptional volume, the authors explore the paradox of the camp, as representing both an old fear of enclosure and a new dream of belonging. They illustrate their arguments by drawing on contemporary sites of exemption - such as refugee camps, rape camps and favelas - as well as sites of self-exemption including gated communities, party tourism and celebrity cultures.

Author Biography

Dept of Sociology, Lancaster