Beyond Disenchantment: Toward a Sociology of Wonder. Issue 4 (12th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Derné, Steve; Safford, Nicole; Odette, Meagan; Mercado, Ruben; Wright, Sarah; Garmendiz, Nicholas; Ureña Reyes, Lesly Ann; Price, Christine; Kinel, Julia; Vick, Amanda; Basile, Dana; Dorn, Samantha; Wnuk, Chloe; McFarlane, Robert; Reich, Brooke; Sanford, Maelee
• Is Part Of: Sociological inquiry. Volume 92:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 1306
• Page End: 1328
• Publication Date: 2021-08-12
• Subjects: Sociology -- Periodicals; 301
• DOI: 10.1111/soin.12457
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-0245

Abstract

Abstract : Focusing on disenchantment, sociology undertheorizes wonder. Our analysis of 30 interviews is the first sociological study of Americans' wonder experiences. Contrary to Weber's theorization of disenchantment, this study shows people experience wonder that is transformative and try to cultivate states of mind open to wonder experiences. Our study shows wonder follows from particularity, difference, and encounters with the mysterious; wonder connects people to expansive concerns; people experience acute self‐awareness during wonder encounters; and people seek wonder experiences. Wonder communities influence wonder experiences, but stages of wonder experiences are similar outside communities.