What About Mozart? What About Murder?

Sociologist Howard Becker examines how social scientists develop and approach their research questions in this exploration of methodology and reasoning. The book takes its title from common challenges researchers face when their frameworks are tested by apparent contradictions or exceptions. Becker draws on his decades of experience studying art, music, and deviant behavior to illustrate key principles of social science investigation. Through a series of cases and examples, he demonstrates the process of constructing effective research strategies and theoretical models. The book analyzes how researchers can maintain scientific rigor while accounting for the complexities and variations in social phenomena. Becker addresses persistent challenges in social science research like selection bias, generalization, and the role of exceptions. This work speaks to fundamental questions about knowledge creation and the interplay between theory and evidence in social research. It offers insights into how social scientists can develop more nuanced and complete understandings of human behavior and social structures.

Readers appreciate Becker's analysis of research methods and scholarly practices through unconventional examples. Multiple reviewers note his accessible writing style and use of relatable scenarios to explain complex sociological concepts. Readers liked: - Clear explanations of how researchers approach problems - Personal anecdotes that illustrate academic points - Focus on practical research methods over theory Readers disliked: - Some chapters feel repetitive - Limited depth on certain topics - Title examples (Mozart/Murder) not fully developed One reader noted: "Becker demystifies social science research by showing how it connects to everyday thinking." Another mentioned: "His casual tone makes complex ideas digestible, though sometimes at the expense of rigor." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (31 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Google Books: 4/5 (8 ratings)

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The Rules of Art by Pierre Bourdieu This sociological study demonstrates how cultural fields operate through institutional structures, power relations, and social capital.

Making Music Together by Alfred Schutz The text explores the social foundations of musical performance and interpretation through phenomenological analysis.

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The Production of Culture by Richard A. Peterson The book reveals how organizational systems, market forces, and institutional frameworks shape the creation and distribution of cultural products.

🎵 Howard Becker is not only a renowned sociologist but also a professional jazz pianist who played in Chicago clubs to support himself through college. 📚 The book's title comes from common objections Becker received when discussing his theory that all art is collective action - people would challenge him by asking "What about Mozart?" or "What about Murder?" 🎨 The book argues against the "lone genius" concept in art, suggesting that even seemingly solitary achievements like Mozart's compositions depended on multiple contributors, from instrument makers to music publishers. 🔍 Becker developed the concept of "art worlds" - complex networks of people and institutions that collaborate to produce art - which has become influential in both sociology and art theory. 🌟 The book builds on Becker's earlier work "Art Worlds" (1982), but takes a more personal approach, incorporating his experiences as both a sociologist and working musician to illustrate his theories.