Winning: Reflections on an American Obsession

(Paperback)

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Most of us are taught from a young age to be winners and avoid being losers. But what does it mean to win or lose Does winning make us happy This title undertakes an unprecedented investigation of winning and losing in American society, what we are really after as we struggle to win, our collective beliefs about winners and losers, and more.

Reviews

One of Choice's Significant University Press Titles for Undergraduates for 2010-2011 "Using a good mix of sociological theory, psychological data, headliners, and anecdotes, Duina makes an excellent start at understanding this big issue and providing groundwork for additional explorations of the US's search for 'indefinite perfectibility'. The descriptions of Americans' pursuit of and beliefs regarding winning will make many blush with self-recognition. Duina's excellent new perspective on chasing the American dream offers much to reflect on."--Choice "Linguistically inquiring, sociologically penetrative, and culturally fascinating, Duina's book is part self-help manual, part critical inquiry into the American psyche, and wholly an essential guide to a misunderstood obsession."--Journal of American Studies "This book is important because it poses the question how much competition we really need in rich nations, with high levels of economic and cultural productivity. The answer to this question is relevant in discussions about the role of governments and about the optimal levels of liberalization or regulation of markets. Duina's suggestions to moderate and redirect competition by changing the American mind-set are valuable."--Jan Ott, Journal of Happiness Studies "Duina effectively explores the sociological embeddedness of competition from which winning and losing arise... The issues that are introduced have great interest for those teaching within social psychology or practicing within consulting psychology."--Richard Ackley and Lee Derryberry, PsycCRITIQUES "Winning is an important contribution to our current understanding and theorising about the individual and societal drive to compete... Winning is a valuable offering to all of us as we navigate competition, winning and losing in our own lives--and strive to assist those in our charge ... who also must come to grips with them."--Andrew J. Martin, Australian Review of Public Affairs

Author Bio

Francesco Duina is professor and head of sociology at the University of British Columbia and visiting professor in the Department of Business and Politics at the Copenhagen Business School. He is the author of "The Social Construction of Free Trade" (Princeton), "Institutions and the Economy", and "Harmonizing Europe".