New Books in Sociology cover image

Pauwke Berkers and Yosha Wijngaarden, "A Sociology of Awkwardness: On Social Interactions Going Wrong" (Taylor & Francis, 2025)

New Books in Sociology

00:00

Understanding Awkwardness: A Sociological Perspective

This chapter investigates the concept of awkwardness in social interactions, drawing on personal experiences and sociological insights. The speakers analyze the emotional responses associated with awkwardness, contrasting it with related feelings like shame and embarrassment, and emphasize the limited academic research on this prevalent phenomenon. Additionally, they explore cultural contexts and the unique implications of awkwardness, particularly in relation to post-COVID social behaviors.

Transcript
Play full episode

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app