Jane Austen’s universe is so focused on interiority, on the subjectivities of her characters, that it promises little for the sociologist. In this original piece of work on the Austen novels, Christopher Wilkes examines the social nature of Austen’s contribution, using Bourdieu’s theory of social practice. In an investigation that spans the social worlds of landscape, economics, culinary practice and fashion, Wilkes argues that Austen was an exemplary social analyst, uniquely able to reveal the complex social hierarchies of her time.
Muses and Measures
This book is required reading for humanistic disciplines. Too often, scholars present theories without knowing how to test them empirically. In an engaging way, the authors teach statistics, leading students through projects to analyze their own gathered data.
