Owned (The Society Pages)

An introduction to the new social science of debt.

With contributions from leading scholars and a provocative collection of discussion topics and group activities, this innovative series provides an accessible and affordable entry point for strong sociological perspectives on topics of immediate social import and public relevance.

The fourth volume in the series, Owned, addresses the new social science of debt. “Core Contributions” pieces show how sociologists and other social scientists make sense of phenomena like student loans and court fees. Chapters in the “Cultural Contexts” section engage debt through cultural realms―ranging from Detroit’s crumbling infrastructure to global climate debt―that are often ignored or taken for granted. Finally, the “Critical Takes” chapters provide sociological commentary and reflection on credit, debt, and the American Dream.