Physiognomy, Phrenology and the Temporality of the Body.

Twine, R. (2002) Physiognomy, Phrenology and the Temporality of the Body. Body and Society, 8 (1). pp. 67-88. ISSN 1460-3632

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Abstract

In the sociology of the body, the analysis of physiognomy is a neglected topic. The idea that one can judge the character of another from their facial or bodily characteristics is a pervasive phenomenon. However, its historical and cultural spread does not entail that we inevitably tie it to notions of human essence. This study focuses upon a particular periodic resurgence of physiognomic discourse in the West, at the end of the 18th and the entirety of the 19th century. In contrast to previous arguments, I argue that physiognomic discourse was able to exploit 19th-century phrenology as a conduit for its own perpetuation. I point out that the perception of the other that physiognomy promotes is largely based upon an atemporal view of the body. I suggest that this physiognomic perception remains an entrenched but changeable component in contemporary relations between self and other.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Body and Society
Additional Information:
RAE_import_type : Journal article RAE_uoa_type : Sociology
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3316
Subjects:
?? embodiment • identity • interaction • pseudo-science • sensescultural studiessocial psychologyhealth(social science)hm sociology ??
ID Code:
3505
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
13 Mar 2008 15:54
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 11:11