Studying Lived Experiences in a Fatigued Society Through Observing the Sensory Perception of the World: A Case Study

Abstract

The sociology of the senses delves into the intricate fabric of the Lifeworld, exploring how the senses play a pivotal role in shaping human interactions, particularly among university students. This case study focuses on understanding the relationships between senses, their interplay, and their collective impact on bodily experiences and perceptions of reality in its “qualitative immediacy.” We will examine the symbolic meanings associated with various senses, such as sound, smell, touch, balance (equilibrioception), movement (kinesthesia), temperature (thermoception), and even our sense of time. By investigating these sensory experiences within the social contexts of academia, we aim to unravel the nuanced connections between different senses and how they merge to form a rich tapestry of individual and collective experiences in everyday life. This exploration will concentrate on three key incidents in the lives of students: coming to University and attending classes, staying on campus, going home. We will shed light on the profound implications of sensory experiences for individual and societal dynamics, focusing on the pathic dimension of experiencing the Lifeworld. The pathic dimension refers to the emotional expressions of our feelings in relation to material objects and the bodies of others with whom we interact. By explicating this dimension, we aim to understand more about the transformative effects of bodily and sensual mindfulness. This analysis draws inspiration from contemplative grounded theory and phenomenology.