WINTHROP – Bates College sociologist Francesco Duina will discuss his new book, “Winning: Reflections on an American Obsession” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Bailey Public Library.

In “Winning,” Duina argues that victory is not a final destination in and of itself, but a gateway to something of immense importance to us –the affirmation of our place in the world. But he also shows that competition is ultimately unlikely to provide the answers we need.

Primarily concerned with our shared obsessions about winning and losing, Duina proposes a new mind-set for how we can pursue our dreams, and find our proper place in the world. We are taught from a young age to be winners and avoid being losers. But what does it mean to win or lose? And does winning make us happy?

Francesco Duina will explore these questions, and host a discussion on the topic at the event.

Duina is associate professor and chair of the sociology department at Bates, and visiting professor at the International Center for Business and Politics, Copenhagen Business School. He is the author of “The Social Construction of Free Trade” and “Harmonizing Europe.”

Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event through Apple Valley Books. The free discussion will begin at 6:30pm. For more information, call 377-8673.

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