No one was better at turning everyday social interactions into memorable comedy sketches than Seinfeld creators Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. The show, still very current in syndication, is filled with astute social observations delivered with great comic effect. Sociologist, and avid Seinfeld fan, Tim Delaney explores the sociological implications of the famous comedy show in "Seinology". Part sociology primer and part Seinfeld tribute, Delaney's book uses excerpts from many of the now-classic episodes to illustrate key facets of sociology. Along the way, readers are treated to an entertaining and educational tour of the whole Seinfeld series. In fifteen chapters, amusingly titled after some of the shows famous incidents, Delaney reviews the major contributions of sociology.Examples include: 'Tub is love' (socialisation and personal relationships); 'Not that there is anything wrong with that' (sex and gender issues); 'You double-dipped the chip!' (social deviance); 'Happy Festivus: a festival for the rest of us' (religion); 'Look to the cookie, Elaine' (race and ethnicity); 'You don't have to help anybody. That's what this country's all about' (crime and social control); 'Yada, yada, yada' (and much, much more). For sociologists looking for a unique way to introduce their students to the field, for high school students or undergraduates taking their first sociology course, and for every Seinfeld fan, "Seinology" is both educational and a fun read.
Tim Delaney is assistant professor of sociology at the State University of New York at Oswego.
""Delaney offers a unique and entertaining look at many sociologically relevant social topics covered in the popular Seinfeld television sitcom....the book has a number of strengths....[he] does such an excellent job describing each segment, including giving the necessary background information, that even students who are unfamiliar with the show could easily follow along....the book is written in a very clear, understandable, and down-to-earth style that would most likely be a welcome relief for most students from the standard textbook format....finally, the book and its many Seinfeld examples are entertaining. At various points while reading I found myself laughing out loud....it would probably be extremely useful for popular culture, media and society, and similar courses." Teaching Sociology Journal of the American Sociological Association "This book is an engaging and entertaining way to learn basic sociological concepts and perspectives. Tim knows his sociology and knows his Seinfeld. He writes in a jargon-free, reader-friendly style, whether the reader is a student in an introductory sociology course, an advanced sociology student, or just a fan of Seinfeld. Tim is truly master of his domain. No yadda-yadda here. You'll be amazed at what Seinfeld and Delaney can teach you about work, gender, sex, crime, family, religion, sports, aging, and death. I recommend this book to everyone interested in painlessly learning more about the sociologist's take on life." Norm Weiner Distinguished Service Professor of Sociology State University of New York at Oswego "Delaney takes a brilliant approach to understanding sociology, one that students will both enjoy and understand. Through episodes of Seinfeld, Delaney illustrates sociology to the reader that any audience can identify with. Pairing sociological concepts with Seinfeld's humor he creates Seinology. In doing this Tim Delaney takes us through the major fields in the discipline providing real examples of how sociology can be seen in daily activities. This book would make an excellent reader for any introduction to sociology or media class." Cherylynn Bassani, Ph.D. Researcher and Instructor University of British Columbia
