The Social Production of Indifference: Exploring the Symbolic Roots of Western Bureaucracy / Edition 1

by Michael Herzfeld

Overview

In this fascinating book, Michael Herzfeld argues that 'modern' bureaucratically regulated societies are no more 'rational' or less 'symbolic' than the societies traditionally studied by anthropologists. Drawing primarily on the example of modern Greece and utilizing other European materials, he suggests that we cannot understand national bureaucracies divorced from local-level ideas about chance, personal character, social relationships and responsibility. He points out that both formal regulations and day-to-day bureaucratic practices rely heavily on the symbols and language of the moral boundaries between insiders and outsiders; a ready means of expressing prejudice and of justifying neglect. It therefore happens that societies with proud traditions of generous hospitality may paradoxically produce at the official level some of the most calculated indifference one can find anywhere.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780854966387
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/20/1992
Series:	Global Issues
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	424
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Michael Herzfeld is Professor of Anthropology, Harvard University

Table of Contents

The social production of indifference; one world or two?; the roots of indifference; the creativity of stereotypes; the language fetish; retrospective fatalities; declassifications.

Editorial Reviews

"A small book packed with large insights." --"Choice"

From the Publisher