The phrase that the 'civilized Western World' has to defence its values even by using physical violence is often mentioned by politicians and media makers. Especially the 'war on terror' draws a picture of the necessity of the West's force against the 'barbarism', which seems to menace the 'civilized' order. In fact that seems to be a contradiction in terms. How can underdeveloped, 'uncivilized' and uneducated people be able to menace the countries with the world most developed technologies and the highest standard of 'civilization', as it’s often is said? Norbert Elias presents a theory of the civilizing process which includes the opinion, that a lot of things, which a member of the present-day Western civilized society esteems 'uncivilized' in other societies today, can be found in past epochs of his own society, like the medieval-feudal period. The key question to understand on the one hand the civilizing process itself and the problem of the so called 'breakdown of civilization' even in modern states on the other hand is how the civilizing of the West actually did happen?
Table of Contents
1. Genesis of modern genocide – Norbert Elias’ civilizing process theory
2. Notes
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to explore Norbert Elias’ theory of the civilizing process and its application to the phenomenon of modern genocide, specifically investigating how the rationalization and bureaucratization inherent in 'civilized' states can paradoxically lead to organized mass violence.
- Sociogenesis and the formation of the modern state.
- The intersection of psychogenesis and individual behavior.
- Critiques of Elias's theory, including the controversy surrounding Hans Peter Duerr.
- The relationship between state monopolization of force and totalitarian movements.
- Analysis of Nazi Germany as a paradigm of 'civilized' regression.
Excerpt from the Book
Genesis of modern genocide – Norbert Elias’ civilizing process theory
The phrase that the 'civilized Western World' has to defence its values even by using physical violence is often mentioned by politicians and media makers. Especially the 'war on terror' draws a picture of the necessity of the West's force against the 'barbarism', which seems to menace the 'civilized' order. In fact that seems to be a contradiction in terms. How can underdeveloped, 'uncivilized' and uneducated people be able to menace the countries with the world most developed technologies and the highest standard of 'civilization', as it’s often is said? Norbert Elias presents a theory of the civilizing process which includes the opinion, that a lot of things, which a member of the present-day Western civilized society esteems 'uncivilized' in other societies today, can be found in past epochs of his own society, like the medieval-feudal period. The key question to understand on the one hand the civilizing process itself and the problem of the so called 'breakdown of civilization' even in modern states on the other hand is how the civilizing of the West actually did happen?
To assess Elias’ theory it is useful to point out the backgrounds of his understanding of sociology. He argues, it was necessary to abandon the traditional philosophy „on the grounds that it had been historically superseded by sociology“. In his eyes it „was part of the problem“ of the perceived spiritual crisis of the West at the end of the First World War and „not part of the solution.” (all in Kilminster 2007:150). He wanted to solve the problems in a more comprehensive and realistic way while transform them into a sociological idiom. That's why his work can be described as 'post-philosophical sociology'.
Summary of Chapters
1. Genesis of modern genocide – Norbert Elias’ civilizing process theory: This chapter introduces Elias's civilizing process, detailing how state monopolization of violence and psychogenesis influence behavior and how these mechanisms can lead to extreme systemic violence as seen in the Holocaust.
2. Notes: A comprehensive list of academic references and bibliographic sources supporting the theoretical arguments presented in the text.
Key Terms
Norbert Elias, Civilizing Process, Sociogenesis, Psychogenesis, Monopolization of Force, Modern State, Genocide, Nazi Germany, Barbarism, Rationalization, Bureaucratization, Holocaust, Post-philosophical Sociology, Modernity, Social Violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work examines Norbert Elias's theory of the civilizing process to understand how modern, 'civilized' states can descend into organized genocide and mass violence.
What are the central themes discussed?
The text focuses on sociogenesis, the development of the state, the monopolization of physical force, and the way in which 'civilized' standards can mask or facilitate extreme brutality.
What is the primary research question?
The primary question is how the civilizing process of the West occurred and how modern states, despite their emphasis on rationalization and peace, can paradoxically perpetrate genocidal violence.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The work uses a sociopolitical and historical analysis approach, centered on the post-philosophical sociology of Norbert Elias to evaluate historical shifts in human behavior.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical foundations of Elias, the controversy regarding eurocentrism, the transition from medieval structures to the modern state, and the role of the Holocaust as a paradigm of systemic violence.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Civilizing Process, Sociogenesis, Monopolization of Force, Modernity, and Holocaust.
How does Elias explain the 'breakdown' of civilization?
Elias suggests that the civilizing process can create counter-currents where rationalization and bureaucratization are repurposed for organized mass killing rather than peaceful societal regulation.
What role does the 'state' play in Elias's theory?
The state is central because it monopolizes the use of physical force, which in turn shapes the social makeup and self-control of the individual citizen.
How does the author interpret the Nazi era?
The Nazi era is viewed as a significant regression where 'barbaric' impulses were externalized through the state's own machinery, facilitated by extreme rationalization and administrative efficiency.
Does this work propose a solution to prevent future genocide?
While the work highlights the complexity of the issue, it points towards the need for a scientific understanding of sociogenesis and psychogenesis, referencing Adorno's imperative to act so that atrocities like Auschwitz do not repeat themselves.
- Quote paper
- Matthias Quent (Author), 2008, Genesis of modern genocide, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/124325
