Bücher der Reihe Palgrave Studies on Norbert Elias

This edited collection brings together texts that discuss current major issues in our troubled times through the lens of Norbert Elias's sociology.

In 1984, the celebrated sociologist and historian Norbert Elias convened a major conference on 'Civilisations and civilising processes' at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (University of Bielefeld). This conference brought together eminent and internationally reputed scholars of macro-history and historical sociology including Johann P.

Integrating his insights with history, science, sociological theory, and more, this book neatly packages the upgraded paradigm we need to be able to meaningfully address complex socio-environmental problems and more intentionally shape humanity's collective future.

This book charts the process of civilisation in Japan. Using the theory of civilising processes developed by Norbert Elias, the author examines the complex underlying structural and psychological processes from the seventh century to the twentieth century. Furthermore, by drawing on rich historical data, the author illustrates how these complex processes led the Japanese to see themselves as 'more civilised' than their forebears and neighbouring countries. Although the theory serves as an important reference point, the author draws on other works to address different complex questions surrounding Japanese development. Therefore, this book presents three key themes: first, it gives an alternative understanding of the complex developments of Japanese society; second, it intercedes into an ongoing debate about the applicability of Elias's theory in a non-Western context; and third, it expands Elias's theory.

In 1984, the celebrated sociologist and historian Norbert Elias convened a major conference on ¿Civilisations and civilising processes¿ at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (University of Bielefeld). Participants included the most distinguished and influential scholars in historical sociology and world history. This book will make available, for the first time in one place, the papers presented by the speakers and, even more interestingly, the transcripts of discussions at the symposium. This conference brought together eminent and internationally reputed scholars of macro-history and historical sociology including Johann P. Arnason, Elias, Hans-Dieter Evers, Johan Goudsblom, Keith Hopkins, William H. McNeill, and Immanuel Wallerstein. This highly informative encounter between various leading scholars of humanity¿s global social history has never before been published, although it was completely recorded on paper and in tape recordings. Its publication in one volume should be an important event for all students of the long-term structural transformations of humanity.