The Established and the OutsidersThe Established and the Outsiders is a classic text from one of the major figures of world sociology. This new edition includes a theoretical introduction, published in English for the first time. In Norbert Elias′s hands, a local community study of tense relations between an established group and outsiders - with no other discernible difference between them - becomes a microcosm that illuminates a wide range of sociological configurations including racial, ethnic, class and gender relations. The book examines the mechanisms of stigmatisation, taboo and gossip, monopolisation of power, collective fantasy and ′we′ and ′they′ images which support and reinforce divisions in society. Developing aspects of Elias′s thinking that relate his work to current sociological concerns, it presents the fullest elaboration of his concepts of mutual identification and functional democratisation. The Established and the Outsiders not only brings out the important theoretical implications of micro-analysis but also demonstrates the significance of such detailed study analysis for better sociological theory. It is essential reading for students and scholars in social theory, sociology and anthropology. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
adolescents adult anomie appeared aspects associations behaviour belief belonged Bethnal Green biological inheritance Boys Burakumin characteristics church close cohesion Committee configuration Councillor Drew delinquency élite enquiry established group established-outsider relationships Estate example excluded fact factory fairly formed function gang group charisma houses human immigrants individual inferior inhabitants of Zone integration interdependent interviewed in Zone Labour less lived London majority middle-class minority neighbours newcomers Norbert Elias norms observe occupational old families old residents older one's organisation outcasts outsider group parents pattern played power differentials problems ranking reference regarded rejected relation relatively residents of Zone role Scott Lash Ship Street showed social class social mobility social structure society sociological specific standards status order stigmatisation streets superiority three zones tradition village voluntary associations we-image Winston Parva women workers working-class neighbourhoods young youngsters