The Culture of Conformism: Understanding Social Consent [Paperback]

Patrick Colm Hogan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0822327163 | ISBN-13: 978-0822327165 | Publication Date: April 17, 2001

“[Hogan’s] goal is not merely to explain but to provide tools of understanding that will be of practical value to those who struggle for justice and freedom. Drawing from an impressive array of sources, his valuable study advances both ends considerably, no mean accomplishment.”—Noam Chomsky

In this wide-ranging and informative work, Patrick Colm Hogan draws on cognitive science, psychoanalysis, and social psychology to explore the cultural and psychological components of social consent. Focusing in particular on Americans’ acquiescence to a system that underpays and underrepresents the vast majority of the population, Hogan moves beyond typical studies of this phenomenon by stressing more than its political and economic dimensions.
With new insights into particularly insideous forms of consent such as those manifest in racism, sexism, and homophobia, The Culture of Conformism considers the role of emotion as it works in conjunction with belief and with the formation of group identity. Arguing that coercion is far more pervasive in democratic societies than is commonly recognized, Hogan discusses the subtle ways in which economic and social pressures operate to complement the more obviously violent forces of the police and military. Addressing issues of narcissism, self-esteem, and empathy, he also explains the concept of “rational” conformity—that is, the degree to which our social consent is based on self-interest—and explores the cognitive factors that produce and sustain social ideology.
Social activists, economic theorists, social psychologists, and political scientists will be intrigued and informed by this book.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is a sophisticated examination of why people masses of people allow injustice (in the form of racism, sexism, homophobia, and economic oppression, among others) to occur. One disturbing fact: in 1999 the combined wealth of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and S. Robson Walton equaled "more than the combined gross national product of the world's 43 least-developed countries, which have 600 million citizens." Hogan (English and comparative literature, Univ. of Connecticut) takes a multilayered approach (political, social, economic, and cognitive) in his thoughtful, well-documented discussions of the wild disparities that exist and will continue to exist if left unchecked among different elements of the world's populations. The prognosis is not entirely bleak, however; Hogan is hopeful that readers will tap into the source list of advocates for change included at the end of this excellent book. Highly recommended. Ellen D. Gilbert, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, NJ
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“Given that capitalist society demeans and deprives most of its members, why don’t they revolt? Hogan lays out this problematic with elegant directness and lucidity and provides a complex—yet simply drawn—explanation of consent.”— Richard Ohmann, Wesleyan University

“Reflecting on the principles of government, David Hume was struck by the ‘implicit submission’ of people to the rulers in all societies even though ‘force is always on the side of the governed,’ a surprising outcome that he attributes to control of opinion. Patrick Hogan greatly enriches the Humean concept, unravelling an intricate web of ‘modes of action and thought’ that ensnare the governed in forms of ‘implicit submission,’ contrary to their deeper motives and ideals and long-term interests. His goal is not merely to explain, but to provide tools of understanding that will be of practical value to those who struggle for justice and freedom. Drawing from an impressive array of sources, his valuable study advances both ends considerably, no mean accomplishment.”—Noam Chomsky

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Duke University Press Books (April 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822327163
• ISBN-13: 978-0822327165
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,235,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.