Categories in Social Interaction

"Categorization is central to our society. This wonderful volume amply demonstrates and richly explores this topic."

- Geoffrey C. Bowker, Professor and Director of the Values in Design Laboratory, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, USA.

"This book lays out a clear central argument for what membership categorization analysis is, how to 'do' it, and why it is important. Using compelling examples, the authors illustrate how the everyday, seemingly unremarkable ways that people use categories in interaction have implications for (among others) gender, race, politics, and various '-isms.' Students, scholars, and teachers interested membership categorization analysis, conversation analysis, and in identity and social categories more generally would benefit from reading this well-written and engaging book!"

- Natasha Shrikant, Associate Professor of Communication, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA.

"Whitehead, Stokoe, and Raymond have given us not just a most lively and engaging overview of membership categorization analysis, but more importantly, the very first book-length introduction to how categorial and interactional systemics may be expertly merged in the analysis of actual interaction. With an abundance of riveting real-life examples, this bound-to-be classic is a must-read for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes look into how our social worlds are assembled in and through the 'minutia' of human interaction. Prepare to be awed."

- Hansun Zhang Waring, Professor, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA.