Discourse and the Construction of Society: Comparative Studies of Myth, Ritual, and Classification

by Bruce Lincoln

In this bold theoretical work, Bruce Lincoln explores the ways in which myth, ritual, and classification hold human societies together--and how, in times of crisis, they can be used to take a society apart and reconstruct it. Without overlooking the role of coercive force in the maintenance
(or overthrow) of social structures, Lincoln argues his thesis with compelling illustrations drawn from such diverse areas as Platonic philosophy, the Upanishads of India, ancient Celtic banquets, professional wrestling, and the Spanish Civil War. This wide-ranging interdisciplinary study--which
draws on works in history, semiotics, anthropology, sociology, classics, and indology--offers challenging new insights into the complex dynamics of social cohesion and change.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Anthropology, Sociology, Academic

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Minäpäminä · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written collection of case studies in what you might call "discourse analysis", i.e. studying the way "social borders" (e.g. hierarchies) link up with symbolic representation (e.g. speech, art, theology) and how symbolic representation (or "discourse") can be used to either strengthen or subvert the current reigning borders in a society.

And the cases studies are fascinating. No boring posts on anonymous websites but ancient myths, the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre and "revolutionary exhumations" during the Spanish civil war.

[Alexander Rabben Mohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Les denne boken hvis du vil skjønne ting

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do the Spanish Civil War, the Iranian Revolution, St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, the kingship rituals of the Swazi people and Plato's Symposium have anything in common? If you ask the everyday man on the street you are likely to get one of two answers, "What are those things?" or "Not in the least". But Bruce Lincoln offers a third response 'Yes'. Though this yes is a little apprehensive it is an affirmative none the less - because these things, and many more like them, are all myths, rituals or classifications that their respective societies are built upon, contructed or reconstructed with. This book was easy to get into, easy to follow and easy to absorve, things I don't normally say about theoretic books like this one. I was fascinated not only by Lincolns obvious intellect but also by his ability to formulate that intullect so that us 'normal' people will be able to follow his strain of thought. A succesful try to explain what constructs society.

[Will Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes, I read this for class, specifically my religious studies PhD theories and methods series. But it's a great read even if you don't have to (not that I expect you to agree with me, mine was definitely a minority opinion in that class). His theory itself isn't all that interesting to describe (basically that classification implies hierarchy), but he uses it to draw insights from seemingly unrelated historical examples.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is without a doubt the most academic book i have ever read (or at least a tie with meghann morris' shit). everyone in the undergraduate class hated reading this book. i loved every minute of it. especially the detailed critical discussion of pro wrestling! yes!