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 Paranormal Beliefs A Sociological Introduction
Erich Goode
Despite the continued and growing popularity of such astounding phenomena as angels, witches, extra-sensory perception, psychics, astrology, healing crystals, pyramid power, levitation, foretelling the future, living past lives, ghosts, and communicating with the dead, such beliefs have received little scrutiny from sociologists. Who believes in them? Why? And with what consequences? Are any of these beliefs valid or true? Do phenomena or events such as these actually exist? A paranormal belief system is generated as a result of identifiable cultural, social, and social-psychological forces; it is linked with identifiable social institutions in identifiable ways and has identifiable consequences. According to the author, the explication of how paranormal beliefs are accepted or rejected yields richer understanding of social structures and dynamics. Accepting one or more of the beliefs—or accepting a cosmology that rules them out of the realm of the possible—tells us a great deal about the believers and disbelievers as well as the society in which they live. This compelling, well-documented work presents a much-needed sociological examination of the role paranormal beliefs play in our society.
 $25.95 list, 310 pages 10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-076-5 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-076-7 © 2000 “Sociologist Erich Goode’s book should be read by anyone who wonders why so many people believe in paranormal phenomena. He presents fundamental epistemological assumptions about how and why people believe what they believe in an easily readable manner.” —Skeptical Inquirer
“This book is long overdue. Paranormal beliefs have been practiced for centuries and it is about time someone has taken the initiative to link them with other social institutions.” —Donna H. Barnes, Southwest Texas State University
“Excellent text. Insightful connections to current student questions about paranormal beliefs. Goode’s development of issues is logical and connected.” —Marge Kloos, College of Mount St. Joseph
“I do research in this area so read your publication almost immediately. It’s terrific! I have already recommended it to four colleagues. It is thorough, scholarly, and integrates an expansive breadth of information. Bravo!” —Susan Losh, Florida State University
“For three compelling reasons, I find it difficult to restrain my enthusiasm for Goode’s book. First, it is a ground-breaking work on the important but neglected area of cognitive deviance; second, anyone reading this work will come away with a clearer mind and a heightened insight into one’s own distorted views; and third, as caviar for the general, Goode has also provided a subtle but smashing critique of postmodern social thought.” —Marvin Scott, Hunter College, CUNY
Table of Contents
Part I. INTRODUCTION |
