Cultural Theory

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.

Autorentext

Michael Thompson is an award-winning author and illustrator from Northern Virginia. He began his career at thirteen with the publication of his action-packed illustrated chapter book series, Chicken Boy. His debut YA portal fantasy novel, World of the Orb, earned international acclaim in the Feathered Quill Book Awards, alongside his folkloric fantasy sea adventure novel, Winslow Hoffner's Incredible Encounters. In his most recent publication, Winslow Hoffner's High-Sailing Adventures, Michael returns to the enchanting world of Winslow Hoffner with witty characters, gripping mystery, and fast-paced storytelling decorated by such myths as the Loch Ness Monster and other awe-inspiring legends of cryptozoology.Michael continues to produce immersive stories in diverse mediums, sharing the theme of plunging ordinary characters into extraordinary situations, with emphases on adventure, humor, and heart.For more information and a complete list of Michael's award-winning works, please visit: MichaelThompsonBooks.com

Zusammenfassung
Taking their cue from the pioneering work of anthropologist Mary Douglas, the authors of Cultural Theory have created a typology of five ways of lifeegalitarianism, fatalism, individualism, hierarchy, and autonomyto serve as an analytic tool in the examination of people, culture, and politics. They then show how cultural theorists can develop large numbers of falsifiable propositions.

Inhalt

• Sociocultural Viability: An Introduction The Theory Introduction to Part One: Against Dualism The Social Construction of Nature Making Ends Meet Preferences Ringing the Changes Instability of the Parts, Coherence of the Whole The Masters Introduction to Part Two: The Indispensability of Functional ExplanationMontesquieu, Comte, and SpencerDurkheimMarxWeberMalinowski, Radcliffe-Brown, and ParsonsMerton, Stinchcombe, and Elster Political Cultures Introduction to Part Three: Cultures Are Plural, Not SingularThe Missing Ways of Life: Egalitarianism and FatalismAmerican Political SubculturesThe Civic Culture ReexaminedHard Questions, Soft Answers