The book presents a unique methodology for investigating human behavior by linking interaction details to social structures. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how social contexts shape individual actions and relationships, providing a framework for analyzing the complexities of social dynamics. First published in 1997, it remains relevant for those interested in sociology and behavioral research.
"In an elegantly argued analysis, Thomas Scheff has illuminated the causes of war in the light of family and small-group behavior. This is masterful historical sociology, which undercuts the reason of state and the logic of nationalism that have sustained so many of the atrocities of our century. By examining how the simplest quarrels work, Scheff shows us how to begin to solve the seemingly intractable causes of violence in our time."Edward Muir, History, Northwestern University
In this thoughtful study, Thomas Scheff defines catharsis clearly as a process that is signaled by certain kinds of laughing, crying, and analogous responses reflecting anger and fear. The main concept which provides a thread throughout the entire book is that of distancing, the balance between being a participant and an observer in the thoughts and feelings that bring on catharsis. At optimal distance, the person has double vision, of being both participant and observer. This idea is applied to psychotherapy, ritual and drama.
Focusing on the interplay between social interaction and structure, Thomas Scheff presents a novel method for studying human behavior. He integrates insights from both the humanities and social sciences to reveal the intricate details of human reality, emphasizing the role of emotions in social bonds. By examining the lives of individuals, including inner-city children and characters from literature like Jane Austen's heroines, he highlights how words and gestures within their contexts illuminate the relationship between personal experiences and societal influences.
Exploring the tumultuous journey of youth in the South during the thirties and forties, the narrative reflects on the author's diverse experiences as a soldier, physicist, sociologist, and anti-war activist. It delves into themes of love, career, and personal growth, interspersed with poetry that captures moments of failure and insight. The text also includes non-technical essays on films, emotional reactions to war memorials, and the pursuit of genuine education, offering a rich tapestry of life's complexities and the quest for meaning.