Review by Choice Review
The central question of the book is whether and how "mobile communication allows for the execution of rituals that in turn result in social solidarity." Ling (Michigan) examines this question through observations of mobile phone communications and their impact on everyday interactions. Along with these observations, the author draws upon sociological theories of ritual, communication, and social solidarity to determine the extent to which these approaches can be applied in an era in which technologically mediated communication rivals face-to-face interaction. Through a discussion of such speech acts as gossip, joking, and repartee, Ling concludes, "there has been a recalibration of how social cohesion is being worked out in society." The increasing of local ties is not necessarily coming at the expense of broader social relationships. The ubiquity of mobile communications simply is changing the nature of what it means to be and stay connected. Thus, there needs to be a reexamination of how traditional understandings of social solidarity relate to a new era of communication. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. G. C. David Bentley University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
