Mass-Observation

Description

This book reproduces the original 1937 founding pamphlet of Mass-Observation – the compelling social research project that ran for decades in the mid-20th century – with expert commentary throughout. It also features brand new supporting essays by and informative interviews with prominent scholars of Mass-Observation which reflect on the organisation, its origins and its influence on multiple academic disciplines, including history, sociology and anthropology. An introductory essay by the editor synthesizes the arguments of this material, as well as contributing vital historical context and suggestions for ways in which other disciplines might benefit from the use of Mass-Observation approaches and archival material. There is also a chronology of Mass-Observation, its publications and major figures associated with it.
Mass-Observation offers an unparalleled wealth of insights into the lived experiences of Britons in the 20th century and this volume provides the best introduction to it available, familiarizing you with both the original Mass-Observation aims and what value this fascinating material carries for us today.

Jennifer J. Purcell is Professor of History at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, USA. Using Mass-Observation diaries and directives, her first book, Domestic Soldiers (2010), seeks to understand the day-to-day lives of six women on the home front during the Second World War. She is also the author of Mother of the BBC: Mabel Constanduros and the Development of Light Entertainment on the BBC, 1925-1957 (Bloomsbury, 2020).

List of Illustrations
List of Contributors
Chronology
Introduction, Jennifer J. Purcell1. ‘The Observation by Everyone of Everyone‘: The Project of Mass-Observation in 1937, Ben Highmore
2. Mass-Observation, Charles Madge and Tom Harrisson3. Uncivilising Sociology: How Mass Observation can free the discipline, Rachel Hurdley4. Voices from the Archive, Jennifer J. PurcellBibliography
Index

“For both newcomers and long-time enthusiasts of MO, this book provides insight into the original, ambitious intentions of the founders, useful commentaries on their achievement and its value across disciplines, as well as fascinating interviews with three people whose careers and lives have been closely entwined with the project.” —Jill Kirby, Senior Lecturer, University of Sussex, UK“The original Mass-Observation pamphlet from 1937 sets out the philosophy and methods for a pioneering approach to ‘the anthropology of ourselves’ that has had a profound influence on historians, social scientists and cultural studies scholars. Its reissue here, skilfully edited and authoritatively contextualized by Jennifer Purcell and her collaborators, is both welcome and timely.” —Brian Lewis, Professor of History, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

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