Books by Norbert Elias

The Symbol Theory draws together three central themes. At the first level the book is concerned with symbols in relation to language, knowing and thinking. Secondly, Elias stresses that symbols are tangible sound-patterns of human communication. Finally, the book addresses theoretical issues about the ontological status of knowledge.

Originally published in 1985, this is a short meditation by an old man on people relating to other people who are dying, and the need for all of us to open up.

Originally published in 1991, this book is in three sections. The first, written in 1939, was either left out of Elias's most famous book, "The Civilizing Process", or was written along with it. Part 2 was written between 1940 and 1960. Part 3 is from 1987.

Unlike other post-war sociologists, Norbert Elias has always held the concept of historical development among his central concerns; his dynamic theories of the evolution of modern man have remedied the historical and epistemological shortcomings of structuralism and ethno-methodology. This work presents the major ideas of his work.

A local community study of tense relations between an established group and outsiders becomes a microcosm that illuminates a range of sociological configurations. The Established and the Outsiders examines the mechanisms of stigmatization, monopolization of power, collective fantasy and `we' and `they' images which support and reinforce divisions in society.