The denouements of civilization: Elias and modernity

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 43, Heft May 91

Abstract

Examines the central theses of Norbert Elias' The civilising process. Elias charts relational codes from a knightly sociogenesis to a 'world' society. The costs of permanent conditioning and repression are seen as more than compensated for by the capacity to achieve detachment and control. Argues that Elias gives the concept of 'civilisation' too broad a scope. (SJK)