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

In “Winning,” Duina maintains that victory is not a final destination, but rather a gateway to something of vital importance — the affirmation of our place in the world. But he also believes that competition is ultimately unlikely to provide the answers we need.

We are taught from a young age to be winners. But what does it mean to win or lose? And does winning make us happy? Duina will explore these questions as part of his talk.

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 also wrote “The Social Construction of Free Trade” and “Harmonizing Europe.”

His talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 377-8673.