Materiality and civilization : things and society.

Dant, Tim (2006) Materiality and civilization : things and society. British Journal of Sociology, 57 (2). pp. 289-308. ISSN 0007-1315

[thumbnail of Material_civilisation_eprin.pdf]
Preview
PDF (Material_civilisation_eprin.pdf)
Material_civilisation_eprin.pdf

Download (493kB)

Abstract

This paper argues that although classical sociology has largely overlooked the importance of social relations with the material world in shaping the form of society, Braudel's concept of ‘material civilization’ is a useful way to begin to understand the sociological significance of this relationship. The limitations of Braudel's historical and general concept can be partially overcome with Elias's analysis of the connection between ‘technization’ and ‘civilization’ that allows for both a civilizing and a de-civilizing impact of emergent forms of material relation that both lengthen and shorten the chains of interdependence between the members of a society. It is suggested that the concept of the ‘morality of things’ employed by a number of commentators is useful in summarizing the civilizing effects of material objects and addressing their sociological significance. From the sociology of consumption the idea of materiality as a sign of social relationships can be drawn, and from the sociology of technology the idea of socio-technical systems and actor-networks can contribute to the understanding of material civilization. It is argued that the concept of ‘material capital’ can usefully summarize the variable social value of objects but to understand the complexity of material civilization as it unfolds in everyday life, an analysis of ‘material interaction’ is needed. Finally the paper suggests some initial themes and issues apparent in contemporary society that the sociological study of material civilization might address; the increased volume, functional complexity and material specificity of objects and the increased social complexity, autonomy and substitutability that is entailed. A theory of ‘material civilization’ is the first step in establishing a sociology of objects.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
British Journal of Sociology
Additional Information:
This is a pre-print of an article published in The British Journal of Sociology, 57 (2), 2006. (c) Wiley RAE_import_type : Journal article RAE_uoa_type : Sociology
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3312
Subjects:
?? sociology and political sciencehm sociology ??
ID Code:
3438
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
14 Mar 2008 17:23
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
14 Sep 2024 00:07