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Elite (un)conspicuousness: theoretical reflections an ostentation vs. understatement
Zur (Un)Sichtbarkeit von Eliten: theoretische Überlegungen zum Umgang mit den Insignien der Macht
[journal article]
Abstract "Comparative research suggests that in some settings the conspicuous flaunting of one's assets is expected, while 'unconspicuousness' is likely to be interpreted in terms of diffidence or lack of wherewithal. Conversely, in other contexts, distinction may require studied understatement, and an exces... view more
"Comparative research suggests that in some settings the conspicuous flaunting of one's assets is expected, while 'unconspicuousness' is likely to be interpreted in terms of diffidence or lack of wherewithal. Conversely, in other contexts, distinction may require studied understatement, and an excessive concern with display of rank would eventually undermine one's reputation. Yet, social theorists have often tended to see only one side of the coin. The purpose of this article is to highlight complexity and propose various hypotheses for dealing with significant variations in elite behaviour, with a view to developing non-dogmatic interpretations of the logics underpinning conspicuousness and unconspicuousness." (author's abstract)... view less
Keywords
elite; elite research; power; symbol; distinction; comparative research; analysis; sociological theory; legitimation; interaction; communication; complexity; network; political regime; cultural factors; behavior; integration; historical analysis; Western world; theory comparison
Classification
General History
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Method
basic research; theory formation
Document language
English
Publication Year
2012
Page/Pages
p. 209-222
Journal
Historical Social Research, 37 (2012) 1
Issue topic
Elite foundations of social theory and politics / Elitetheoretische Grundlagen sozialwissenschaftlicher Theoriebildung und politischer Analyse
DOI
https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.37.2012.1.209-222
ISSN
0172-6404
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed