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  • © 2016

The Sociology of Fun

Palgrave Macmillan

Authors:

  • Fills a gap in the social science literature on experiences of fun
  • Explores how fun is vital in mediating social affiliation across cultures
  • Presents fun as distinct from well-being and happiness due to the temporal impermanence of the phenomenal experience

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xi
  2. Introduction

    • Ben Fincham
    Pages 1-26
  3. Theorising Fun

    • Ben Fincham
    Pages 27-46
  4. Fun and Games: Childhood

    • Ben Fincham
    Pages 47-82
  5. Fun and Frivolity: Adulthood

    • Ben Fincham
    Pages 83-120
  6. Fun at Work

    • Ben Fincham
    Pages 121-153
  7. Phenomenal Fun

    • Ben Fincham
    Pages 155-181
  8. Fun and Recollection

    • Ben Fincham
    Pages 183-196
  9. Conclusions

    • Ben Fincham
    Pages 197-206
  10. Back Matter

    Pages 207-213

About this book

hat is fun? How is it distinct from happiness or pleasure? How do we know when we are having it? This book is the first to provide a comprehensive sociological account of this taken for granted social phenomenon. Fincham investigates areas such as our memories of fun in childhood, the fun we have as adults, our muted experiences of fun at work and our lived experiences of having fun. Using first-hand accounts and a new approach to interpreting fun, the paradox of fun as not serious or unimportant whilst at the same time essential for a happy life is exposed. Addressing questions of control, transgression and the primacy of social relationships in fun, The Sociology of Fun is intended to provoke discussion about how we want to have fun and who determines the fun we have.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Department of Sociology, University of Sussex Department of Sociology, Brighton, United Kingdom

    Ben Fincham

About the author

Ben Fincham is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Sussex, UK. He has previously published in areas of mental health, work and suicide. 

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: The Sociology of Fun

  • Authors: Ben Fincham

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-31579-3

  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan London

  • eBook Packages: Social Sciences, Social Sciences (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2016

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-230-35857-7Published: 07 July 2016

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-1-349-59530-3Published: 21 December 2017

  • eBook ISBN: 978-1-137-31579-3Published: 30 June 2016

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XI, 213

  • Topics: Sociology, general, Quality of Life Research

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 24.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 32.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 85.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access