Towards a Theory of Decivilizing Processes

Samenvatting

Outlines a framework for a theory of decivilizing processes, suggested to bring into closer focus civilizing principles described by Norbert Elias Three key civilizing processes include: (1) a shift away from external to internal restraint; (2) the emergence of a social standard of behavior leading to a more general, stable, and differentiated pattern of self-restraint; and (3) expanded mutual identification among social groups. Three reverse trends constitute decivilizing processes. The specification of societal and international societal decivilizing processes, as compared to those with smaller or larger group dimensions, involves greater permanence due to broken structural ties. A need is seen for empirical verification of these hypotheses, providing new insights into social relations characterized by fear, violence, and reciprocal killing. 58 References. Adapted from the source document.