Sociology Of Elite Distinction, The

Description:
The Sociology of Elite Distinction offers a systematic discussion of the theoretical frameworks which deal with symbolic manifestations of eminence from a comparative standpoint. Through a wide exploration of external and embodied signs of superiority, but also vicarious display, Jean-Pascal Daloz demonstrates that considerable dissimilarities between societies, and across historical periods, question the generalizing ambitions of many classical models of interpretation. This major contribution to the study of social distinction leads us to examine a variety of fascinating facets such as prestigious goods, posture, distinguished manners, or glamorous female company. It is essential reading for scholars and researchers interested in upper groups and expressions of social rank.

Review:
'Daloz identifies and challenges the simplifications and reductions that have marked sociological efforts to investigate the symbolic displays of classes and elites. In his often witty, encyclopedic exploration of the fantastic variations that actually have marked such displays, he gives the culture of distinction not only an autonomy but an internal structure- for the first time.' - Jeffrey C. Alexander, Professor of Sociology, Yale University, USA 'Thanks to its comparative approach and its concern for varieties of social behaviour, this analysis of social distinction by Jean-Pascal Daloz helps us to go beyond Bourdieu's famous study, published thirty years ago.' - Peter Burke, Professor of Cultural History, University of Cambridge, UK 'This ambitious book fills a yawning gap in the social scientific literature and will appeal to a readership across the social sciences.' - Alan Warde, Professor of Sociology, University of Manchester, UK

Table of Contents:
Introduction PART I: SOCIAL THEORY AND ELITE DISTINCTION Classical Approaches to Social Emulation and Distinction Major Subsequent Contributions Grand Theories: Limits and Merits PART II: KEY MANIFESTATIONS External Signs of Superiority Embodied Signs of Superiority Vicarious Display PART III: VARIABILITY The Historicity of Elite Distinction: Selected Themes Tradition, Fashion, Borrowing, Syncretism Beyond Reductionism Conclusion

Author Biography:
JEAN-PASCAL DALOZ is CNRS Research Professor at the University of Oxford, UK, Professor at the University of Oslo, Norway and Chair of the Research Committee on Comparative Sociology at the International Sociological Association. He has published 12 books to date, including the bestselling Africa Works: Disorder as Political Instrument and, more recently, Culture Troubles: Politics and the Interpretation of Meaning (co-authored).