Cultural Theory

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Cultural Theory by Michael Thompson, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Thompson ISBN: 9780429980817
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 27, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Michael Thompson
ISBN: 9780429980817
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 27, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Why do people want what they want? Why does one person see the world as a place to control, while another feels controlled by the world? A useful theory of culture, the authors contend, should start with these questions, and the answers, given different historical conditions, should apply equally well to people of all times, places, and walks of life.Taking their cue from the pioneering work of anthropologist Mary Douglas, the authors of Cultural Theory have created a typology of five ways of life?egalitarianism, fatalism, individualism, hierarchy, and autonomy?to serve as an analytic tool in examining people, culture, and politics. They then show how cultural theorists can develop large numbers of falsifiable propositions.Drawing on parables, poetry, case studies, fiction, and the Great Books, the authors illustrate how cultural biases and social relationships interact in particular ways to yield life patterns that are viable, sustainable, and ultimately, changeable under certain conditions. Figures throughout the book show the dynamic quality of these ways of life and specifically illustrate the role of surprise in effecting small- and large-scale change.The authors compare Cultural Theory with the thought of master social theorists from Montesquieu to Stinchcombe and then reanalyze the classic works in the political culture tradition from Almond and Verba to Pye. Demonstrating that there is more to social life than hierarchy and individualism, the authors offer evidence from earlier studies showing that the addition of egalitarianism and fatalism facilitates cross-national comparisons.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Why do people want what they want? Why does one person see the world as a place to control, while another feels controlled by the world? A useful theory of culture, the authors contend, should start with these questions, and the answers, given different historical conditions, should apply equally well to people of all times, places, and walks of life.Taking their cue from the pioneering work of anthropologist Mary Douglas, the authors of Cultural Theory have created a typology of five ways of life?egalitarianism, fatalism, individualism, hierarchy, and autonomy?to serve as an analytic tool in examining people, culture, and politics. They then show how cultural theorists can develop large numbers of falsifiable propositions.Drawing on parables, poetry, case studies, fiction, and the Great Books, the authors illustrate how cultural biases and social relationships interact in particular ways to yield life patterns that are viable, sustainable, and ultimately, changeable under certain conditions. Figures throughout the book show the dynamic quality of these ways of life and specifically illustrate the role of surprise in effecting small- and large-scale change.The authors compare Cultural Theory with the thought of master social theorists from Montesquieu to Stinchcombe and then reanalyze the classic works in the political culture tradition from Almond and Verba to Pye. Demonstrating that there is more to social life than hierarchy and individualism, the authors offer evidence from earlier studies showing that the addition of egalitarianism and fatalism facilitates cross-national comparisons.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Mirrors and Masks by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Gifted Education by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book The Global Navigation Satellite System by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Property, Tenancy and Urban Growth in Stockholm and Berlin, 1860�920 by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Managing Overflow in Affluent Societies by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book The Foundations of Information Systems by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Conflict and Peace in Eurasia by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Japanese Rainmaking and other Folk Practices by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book The New Islamic State by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Human Landscapes in Classical Antiquity by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Boys Don't Try? Rethinking Masculinity in Schools by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Foundations for Tracing Intuition by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Lost Angels by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Persia and the Persian Question by Michael Thompson
Cover of the book Education and the Social Condition (RLE Edu L) by Michael Thompson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy