Thought Styles: Critical Essays on Good Taste

by Mary Douglas

We are often tyrannized by cooking styles and dress fashions but the idea of thought styles in control is less familiar and perhaps more disturbing. But how do thought styles work? In these fascinating essays Mary Douglas brings the topic down to the commonplace judgements of everyday life.

Genres: Sociology, Anthropology

Paperback

First published April 25, 1996

Reviews

[Toby Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Douglas argues that our personal and social tastes are best defined not by what we like but what we know we don’t like. And so, we’re doomed to adverseriality. Four cultural orientations result. I had fun recognising my own.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of essays. I particularly enjoyed the one on asceticism and about shopping/taste.