Inventing Western Civilization - Softcover

Thomas C Patterson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9350023121 ISBN 13: 9789350023129

Publisher: Aakar Books, 2014

Synopsis

"In this wonderful book, Thomas Patterson effectively dethrones the concept of 'civilization' as an abstract good, transcending human society."--Martin BernalDrawing on his extensive knowledge of early societies, Thomas C. Patterson shows how class, sexism, and racism have been integral to the appearance of "civilized" societies in Western Europe. He lays out clearly and simply how civilization, with its designs of "civilizing" and "being civilized," has been closely tied to the rise of capitalism in Western Europe and the development of social classes.

About this title

About the Author

Thomas C. Patterson is Professor and Chair of Anthropology, University of California at Riverside.

Review

What is civilization? How has the word come to take on a hierarchical meaning -- the "civilized" versus the "primitive"? Inventing Western Civilization is about the idea of civilization and how the concept has been appropriated by different groups at different times in order to defend their status. Anthropologist Tom Patterson shows how classism, sexism, and racism were as integral to the appearance of "civilized" society in Western Europe as inequality and alienation. He explains, clearly and simply, how civilization (and the process of "civilizing" and "being civilized") has been closely tied to the rise of capitalism in Western Europe, the development of social classes, and the creation of "others" who are distinguished by their socially constructed appearances, behaviors, or essences. -- Midwest Book Review

Edition details

• Publisher: Aakar Books
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9350023121
• ISBN 13: 9789350023129
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 156