Process and figuration : a study on the sociology of Norbert Elias / Processo e figuração : um estudo sobre a sociologia de Norbert Elias

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2010

RESUMO

This doctoral thesis is dealing with the analysis of the sociological approach developed by the German sociologist Norbert Elias (1897-1990). The process and figuration theory developed by the author during his lifetime is based on the idea of functional relations of mutual interdependence established between individuals living in society. From this starting point, Norbert Elias establishes a priori a relationship of interdependence between individual and society, transcending the field of predetermined dichotomies. Such theoretical approach aims at the construction of analytical models that are empirically substantiated and based on a long-term and process-related perspective. By identifying the changes occurring within social structures, it renders possible to visualize the direction of their course. In addition to the notion of process, the idea of figuration has been considered as part of Elias theoretical model. This idea comprises basically an understanding of social organizations - families, schools, cities or social classes - as being formed by relations of interdependence between individuals. In a given figuration the individual penchants are analyzed that bring different people to come together making up a society. Thus, sentiments and patterns of individual behavior are considered in the same way as the social macro-structure is analyzed. In this work, each concept is treated separately, but without ignoring the relation between them. This is due to a didactical choice in order to clarify to the reader the specifics of the two concepts, process and figuration, as well as the ways that characterize their interrelation. Taking into consideration that the theoretical and empirical frameworks do not come into being detached from a specific social and historical context and, in addition, have to be understood as the fruits of the individual perceptions of whom has been responsible for generating them, this thesis presents also a short biography of Norbert Elias

ASSUNTO(S)

elias civilization civilização sociologia - teoria teoria social norbert sociology

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