8.1 The Last of the Great Classic Sociologists

Summary

Norbert Elias, a key figure in classical sociology, is renowned for his pre-WWII works 'The Court Society' and 'On the Process of Civilization.' His ideas, influenced by Marx, Weber, and Freud, shaped long-term sociological trends. Elias, who faced persecution as a Jewish scholar, fled to London where he wrote his magnum opus. Despite late recognition in the 1970s, his contributions remain foundational. Personal anecdotes highlight his enduring intellect and kindness, painting Elias as the last of the great classical sociologists.

Takeaways

• 📚 Norbert Elias is considered the last representative of the classic tradition in sociology.
• 📖 His most important works, 'The Civilizing Process' and 'The Society of Individuals', were published before World War II.
• 💡 Elias' fundamental ideas are rooted in the works of Marx, Weber, and Freud, though he rarely refers to them directly.
• 🔍 His historical approach is influenced by Marx and Weber's interest in long-term trends.
• 🤝 The speaker personally met Norbert Elias and attended his lectures and seminars in Amsterdam.
• 👴 Elias was known for aging gracefully and maintaining a sharp mind even in his later years.
• 👨‍🏫 He was friendly and open with his students, contrasting with the authoritarian style of other academics at the time.
• 📚 Elias wrote his first important book, 'The Civilizing Process', in Frankfurt at the age of 36.
• 🌍 Due to his Jewish origin, Elias had to flee Germany when the National Socialist Party came to power, eventually settling in London.
• 📚 His magnum opus was published in German but could not be distributed in Germany and Austria because of his Jewish heritage.
• 🕒 It wasn't until the late 60s that Elias' work received the recognition it deserved, with German, English, and French editions bringing it to a wider audience.
• 🎓 Elias' historical sociological theory was developed in the 1930s, and he should be recognized as one of the great classical sociologists.

Q & A

Who is Norbert Elias and what is his significance in sociology?

Norbert Elias is considered one of the last representatives of the classic tradition in sociology. His most important works, 'The Civilizing Process' and 'The Society of Individuals', were published before World War II and contain his fundamental ideas. His work integrates and builds upon the theories of Marx, Weber, Freud, and others.

What is the connection between Norbert Elias and classical sociologists like Marx, Weber, and Freud?

Elias' fundamentally historical approach owes a lot to Marx and Weber, who were interested in long-term trends. Although he rarely refers directly to these predecessors, his familiarity with their ideas is evident in his work. Additionally, his work shows influence from Freud's theories.

How did Norbert Elias' personal experiences influence his sociological work?

Elias' experiences, particularly his forced exile from Germany due to his Jewish origin during the rise of the National Socialist Party, likely influenced his sociological perspective. His magnum opus, 'The Civilizing Process', was written during his time in London.

Why was Norbert Elias' work not widely recognized until the late 1960s?

Elias' work received the recognition it deserved only at the end of the 1960s when German editions and English and French translations became available. This late reception was due in part to the inability to distribute his work in German-speaking countries during the Nazi era.

What was the impact of Norbert Elias' teaching style on his students?

Elias was known for being very open and friendly with his students, which was in stark contrast to many other German academics of his time. His students loved him for his approachability and lack of authoritarianism.

How did Norbert Elias' health affect his later years?

Towards the end of his life, Elias faced serious problems with his sight and became practically deaf. Despite these challenges, his mind remained sharp, and he continued to engage in discussions and offer advice to his students.

What is the significance of Norbert Elias' work being recognized in the 1970s, decades after its initial publication?

The belated recognition of Elias' work in the 1970s might give the impression that he was a contemporary of modern theorists like Goffman or Bourdieu. However, it's important to recognize that his core contributions were developed in the 1930s, making him one of the last great classical sociologists.

How did Norbert Elias' personal encounters with the narrator contribute to the narrator's understanding of Elias' work?

The narrator had the opportunity to attend Elias' seminars and lectures, and engage in discussions with him. These personal encounters provided the narrator with a deeper understanding of Elias' work and his approach to sociology.

What can be inferred about Norbert Elias' personality from the script?

From the script, it can be inferred that Norbert Elias was a gracious, open, and friendly individual. He was also known for his sharp mind and his ability to engage with students and colleagues in a warm and approachable manner.

How did the political climate of the 1930s in Germany affect Norbert Elias' academic career?

The rise of the National Socialist Party in Germany, which led to anti-Semitic policies, forced Elias, who was of Jewish origin, to leave the country. This disrupted what could have been a promising academic career in Germany.

What is the significance of Norbert Elias being a 'guest lecturer' in Amsterdam during the 1960s and 70s?

Elias' presence as a guest lecturer in Amsterdam indicates that he was in demand as an educator and scholar even after his initial work was not widely recognized. It also suggests that his ideas were gaining traction and influence in academic circles.