Snobisme

Samenvatting

A sociological analysis is given of snobbery, based on an examination of the relevant literature. The chief authorities used are A. Huxley, whose essay 'Selected Snobberies' (published in W. E. Williams, A Book of english essays, Pelican Books) contains a typology of snobs; E. Moors, The Dandy (no place or year of publication given), which presents a literary survey of snobbery in England and France; and D. Riesman, The Lonely crowd, with its sociological analysis of the phenomenon. A 3-dimensional examination of snobbery is proposed in the light of the 'action theory' of T. Parsons: (1) psychological; (2) social background; and (3) cultural style. It is concluded that: (A) the general use of the word 'snob' popularizes it among those susceptible to snob appeal; and (B) in a society where cultural values compete, snobbery has become acceptable. L Langnas.