Two-Dimensional Man

An Essay on the Anthropology of Power and Symbolism in Complex Society

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Two-Dimensional Man by Abner Cohen, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Abner Cohen ISBN: 9781317400486
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 3, 2015
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Abner Cohen
ISBN: 9781317400486
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 3, 2015
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Central to this original study, first published in 1974, is that Political Man is also Symbolist Man, that man is two-dimensional. The book explores the possibilities of the systematic study of the dialectical interdependence between power relationships and symbolic action in modern, complex society. The discussion focuses on the processes by which interest groups, that cannot organise themselves formally, manipulate different types of symbolic formations to articulate a number of basic organisational functions: distinctiveness, communication, decision-making, authority, ideology and socialisation. The analysis is worked out in terms of specific case studies of different types of groupings, or ‘invisible organisations’ – ethnic, elitist, religious, ritually secret, cousinhood – which go through processes of cultural metamorphosis, shifting from one symbolic strategy to another, in response to changes in their circumstances. In conclusion, the discussion is brought to bear on the study of stratification in large-scale industrial society generally.

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

Central to this original study, first published in 1974, is that Political Man is also Symbolist Man, that man is two-dimensional. The book explores the possibilities of the systematic study of the dialectical interdependence between power relationships and symbolic action in modern, complex society. The discussion focuses on the processes by which interest groups, that cannot organise themselves formally, manipulate different types of symbolic formations to articulate a number of basic organisational functions: distinctiveness, communication, decision-making, authority, ideology and socialisation. The analysis is worked out in terms of specific case studies of different types of groupings, or ‘invisible organisations’ – ethnic, elitist, religious, ritually secret, cousinhood – which go through processes of cultural metamorphosis, shifting from one symbolic strategy to another, in response to changes in their circumstances. In conclusion, the discussion is brought to bear on the study of stratification in large-scale industrial society generally.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Educating for Civic-mindedness by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book Resource Recovery from Waste by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book A History of Nature Conservation in Britain by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book Diversity Success Strategies by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book US Democracy Promotion in the Middle East by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book Scarcity and Growth Reconsidered by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book Routledge Handbook of Religions in Asia by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book Managing Organizations for Sport and Physical Activity by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book Conservation of Ruins by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book William Wordsworth and the Invention of Tourism, 1820-1900 by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book British Architectural Theory 1540-1750: An Anthology of Texts by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book High Dependency Nursing Care by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book Reading Primary Sources by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book Medical Law and Ethics by Abner Cohen
Cover of the book The Capital Markets and Financial Management in Banking by Abner Cohen
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