The established and the outsiders

This book is a classic text from one of the major figures of world socioloy. This new edition includes a theoretical introduction, published in English for the first time. This book examines the mechanisms of stigmatisation, taboo and gossip, monopolisation of power, collective fantasy and “we” and “they” images which support and reinforce divisions in society. Developing aspects of Elias’s thinking that relate his work to current sociological concerns, it presents the fullest elaboration of his concepts of mutual identification and functional democratisation. This book not only brings out the important theoretical implications of micro-analysis but also demonstrates the significance of such detailed study for better sociological theory. It will be essential reading for students and scholars in social theory, socioloy and anthropology.