The Social Production of Indifference

Exploring the Symbolic Roots of Western Bureaucracy

Michael Herzfeld author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:31st Mar '21

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The Social Production of Indifference cover

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.

ISBN: 9780367717179

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 258g

220 pages