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Portable Communities

Portable Communities

By Chayko, Mary

Published by State University of New York Press

English 319 pages 2008
Estimated reading time: 5 h 51 min
PDF

About this book

Looks at the social implications of having constant access to others through cell phones, wireless computers, and other electronic devices. 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.

Availability

Portable Communities is available as PDF at 9 online bookshops. Bookshops carrying it include Bajalibros Argentina, Bajalibros Latam, Bookshop Uruguay.

Language
English
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Frequently asked questions

In what formats is Portable Communities available?
Portable Communities is available as PDF at 9 online bookshops.
Where can I buy Portable Communities?
You can buy Portable Communities at Bajalibros Argentina, Bajalibros Latam, Bookshop Uruguay. Compare every option in the list on this page.
How long does it take to read Portable Communities?
At an average reading pace, Portable Communities takes about 5 h 51 min to read (319 pages).

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