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A Sociology of Awkwardness

On Social Interactions Going Wrong

By: Pauwke Berkers, Yosha Wijngaarden

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Paperback | 20 July 2026 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
154 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.39 x 15.6 x 0.84

Paperback

$90.19

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A Sociology of Awkwardness shows how awkward feelings are the outcome of social interactions going wrong.

Combing insights from cultural sociology and the sociologies of interactions and emotions, this book develops the first comprehensive sociology of awkwardness. It provides an understanding of how people define, express, and experience awkwardness, while locating its causes not within individuals but within social interactions. The book also offers a unique perspective by examining how both time and space contribute to the experience of awkwardness. Additionally, it delves into the various ways people deal with awkward interactions.

A Sociology of Awkwardness introduces a novel theory and typology of awkwardness, drawing from rich empirical data of everyday encounters, work, dating, and self-help. This book will appeal to scholars across the social sciences, particularly those interested in culture, social interactions, and emotions. It will also attract readers seeking to understand awkwardness as a cultural phenomenon, though not as a self-help guide.

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