Francesca Mencacci
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199582570
- eISBN:
- 9780191595271
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199582570.003.0010
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
In the Roman family the relationship between slave children and free adults could be quite ambiguous, mixing affection and exploitive attitudes. One of the reasons why the domini of the imperial era ...
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In the Roman family the relationship between slave children and free adults could be quite ambiguous, mixing affection and exploitive attitudes. One of the reasons why the domini of the imperial era were so fond of their slave children was their special skills in the field of verbal impudence and scurrilous jesting. Free speech and a certain kind of humour seem to have been encouraged in these children for the personal entertainment of the dominus and of his guests. Verbal licentia was not permitted to the free children of the domus; elite children had to achieve complete mastery over language as a mark of social distinction. By exploring the different shaping of speech habits of freeborn and slave children and its social consequences, the chapter aims to focus on the different ways the upper-class Romans understood childhood and at the same time to define more precisely the nature of the relationship between the domini and their pet slaves.Less
In the Roman family the relationship between slave children and free adults could be quite ambiguous, mixing affection and exploitive attitudes. One of the reasons why the domini of the imperial era were so fond of their slave children was their special skills in the field of verbal impudence and scurrilous jesting. Free speech and a certain kind of humour seem to have been encouraged in these children for the personal entertainment of the dominus and of his guests. Verbal licentia was not permitted to the free children of the domus; elite children had to achieve complete mastery over language as a mark of social distinction. By exploring the different shaping of speech habits of freeborn and slave children and its social consequences, the chapter aims to focus on the different ways the upper-class Romans understood childhood and at the same time to define more precisely the nature of the relationship between the domini and their pet slaves.
Michaela Caroline Benson
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719082498
- eISBN:
- 9781781701843
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719082498.001.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Social Groups
This is a study of how lifestyle choices intersect with migration, and how this relationship frames and shapes post-migration lives. It presents a conceptual framework for understanding ...
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This is a study of how lifestyle choices intersect with migration, and how this relationship frames and shapes post-migration lives. It presents a conceptual framework for understanding post-migration lives that incorporates culturally specific imaginings, lived experiences, individual life histories, and personal circumstances. Through an ethnographic lens incorporating in-depth interviews, participant observation, life and migration histories, this monograph reveals the complex process by which migrants negotiate and make meaningful their lives following migration. By promoting their own ideologies and lifestyle choices relative to those of others, British migrants in rural France reinforce their position as members of the British middle class, but also take authorship of their lives in a way not possible before migration. This is evident in the pursuit of a better life that initially motivated migration and continues to characterise post-migration lives. As the book argues, this ongoing quest is both reflective of wider ideologies about living, particularly the desire for authentic living, and subtle processes of social distinction. In these respects, the book provides an empirical example of the relationship between the pursuit of authenticity and middle-class identification practices.Less
This is a study of how lifestyle choices intersect with migration, and how this relationship frames and shapes post-migration lives. It presents a conceptual framework for understanding post-migration lives that incorporates culturally specific imaginings, lived experiences, individual life histories, and personal circumstances. Through an ethnographic lens incorporating in-depth interviews, participant observation, life and migration histories, this monograph reveals the complex process by which migrants negotiate and make meaningful their lives following migration. By promoting their own ideologies and lifestyle choices relative to those of others, British migrants in rural France reinforce their position as members of the British middle class, but also take authorship of their lives in a way not possible before migration. This is evident in the pursuit of a better life that initially motivated migration and continues to characterise post-migration lives. As the book argues, this ongoing quest is both reflective of wider ideologies about living, particularly the desire for authentic living, and subtle processes of social distinction. In these respects, the book provides an empirical example of the relationship between the pursuit of authenticity and middle-class identification practices.
Benson Michaela
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719082498
- eISBN:
- 9781781701843
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719082498.003.0008
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Social Groups
This chapter explores the relationship between social distinction, migrant subjectivities and the quest for a better way of life. Authenticity acts as a lens through which to examine this ...
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This chapter explores the relationship between social distinction, migrant subjectivities and the quest for a better way of life. Authenticity acts as a lens through which to examine this relationship. On the one hand, it becomes clear that the migrants' ideologies about life in the Lot are characterized by their desire for a more authentic way of living; migration had offered them self-realization precisely because of the promise that this would be available in the Lot. However, migration is not as transformative as originally imagined, with the result that the quest for authentic living continues until long after migration. As the ethnography presented in this chapter demonstrates, there is also a self-referential element to these judgements, as the migrants reflect on the ways that their practices have changed over time. Importantly, it emerges that processes of social distinction and the quest for a better way of life are mutually reinforcing.Less
This chapter explores the relationship between social distinction, migrant subjectivities and the quest for a better way of life. Authenticity acts as a lens through which to examine this relationship. On the one hand, it becomes clear that the migrants' ideologies about life in the Lot are characterized by their desire for a more authentic way of living; migration had offered them self-realization precisely because of the promise that this would be available in the Lot. However, migration is not as transformative as originally imagined, with the result that the quest for authentic living continues until long after migration. As the ethnography presented in this chapter demonstrates, there is also a self-referential element to these judgements, as the migrants reflect on the ways that their practices have changed over time. Importantly, it emerges that processes of social distinction and the quest for a better way of life are mutually reinforcing.
Patricia Lim
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789622099906
- eISBN:
- 9789882207714
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Hong Kong University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5790/hongkong/9789622099906.003.0017
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Asian Studies
This chapter discusses the society of Hong Kong during the late nineteenth century. It begins by discussing cultural and leisure activities during the 1870s, which included amateur theatrical ...
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This chapter discusses the society of Hong Kong during the late nineteenth century. It begins by discussing cultural and leisure activities during the 1870s, which included amateur theatrical performances and the revival of the Debating Society. It looks at the social distinctions in the country, most especially between the merchants and tradesmen. The Hong Kong Club, the visit of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, and the changes that occurred in the social set-up are also discussed.Less
This chapter discusses the society of Hong Kong during the late nineteenth century. It begins by discussing cultural and leisure activities during the 1870s, which included amateur theatrical performances and the revival of the Debating Society. It looks at the social distinctions in the country, most especially between the merchants and tradesmen. The Hong Kong Club, the visit of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, and the changes that occurred in the social set-up are also discussed.
Chris Laoutaris
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748624362
- eISBN:
- 9780748671687
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748624362.003.0006
- Subject:
- Literature, Shakespeare Studies
The maternal body has a rich and complex history. It is hoped that this book has been a first step towards recuperating a maternal body which is not historically passive but dynamic, active and ...
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The maternal body has a rich and complex history. It is hoped that this book has been a first step towards recuperating a maternal body which is not historically passive but dynamic, active and challenging; not the subject but the agent of history. It was during the age of Shakespeare that branches of learning seeking to legitimise their own professionalised status reconceived the anatomy of birth, the order of creation, the impact of the preternatural, and the inviolability of lineage and social distinction, as the adjuncts to the disciplined construction of a maternal body whose inherent properties assumed the imprint of a largely autonomous nature.Less
The maternal body has a rich and complex history. It is hoped that this book has been a first step towards recuperating a maternal body which is not historically passive but dynamic, active and challenging; not the subject but the agent of history. It was during the age of Shakespeare that branches of learning seeking to legitimise their own professionalised status reconceived the anatomy of birth, the order of creation, the impact of the preternatural, and the inviolability of lineage and social distinction, as the adjuncts to the disciplined construction of a maternal body whose inherent properties assumed the imprint of a largely autonomous nature.
Benson Michaela
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719082498
- eISBN:
- 9781781701843
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719082498.003.0009
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Social Groups
This chapter draws together the various themes discussed in the book, exploring the intersections between distinction, ambivalence and authenticity. On the one hand, the analysis argues that ...
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This chapter draws together the various themes discussed in the book, exploring the intersections between distinction, ambivalence and authenticity. On the one hand, the analysis argues that particular ideologies for living in the Lot underwrite migration and the search for a better way of life. On the other hand, it becomes clear that lifestyle migration has at its core a focus on processes of self-realization. In this respect, it becomes clear that a persistent tension in the migrants' lives originates in the opposing roles played by individual agency and the structural determinants in shaping their migration and experiences of life in the Lot. The conclusion analyses the persistence of the quest for a better way of life. The migrants' ideologies for living are regularly put to the test and authenticated as they engaged in processes of social distinction.Less
This chapter draws together the various themes discussed in the book, exploring the intersections between distinction, ambivalence and authenticity. On the one hand, the analysis argues that particular ideologies for living in the Lot underwrite migration and the search for a better way of life. On the other hand, it becomes clear that lifestyle migration has at its core a focus on processes of self-realization. In this respect, it becomes clear that a persistent tension in the migrants' lives originates in the opposing roles played by individual agency and the structural determinants in shaping their migration and experiences of life in the Lot. The conclusion analyses the persistence of the quest for a better way of life. The migrants' ideologies for living are regularly put to the test and authenticated as they engaged in processes of social distinction.
Jon R. Snyder
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520228191
- eISBN:
- 9780520944442
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520228191.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
In the development of the discourse on dissimulation within the genre of writing about courtiers and court society is seen the most successful elite institution during the early modern period. The ...
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In the development of the discourse on dissimulation within the genre of writing about courtiers and court society is seen the most successful elite institution during the early modern period. The ways in which dissimulation was represented acted as a constituent part of the courtier's art. The chapter discusses how during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the context of court society did not show a great difference in sprezzatura. Meanwhile, the appearance of neologism sprezzatura in the text of Il Libro del Cortegiano indicated the key moment of conceptual tension in Castiglione's treatment of the ideal conduct of the early modern courtier. This led to Castiglione's innovative use of the category of dissimulation in order to define the perfect courtier's code of conduct that represented the attempt to discover a new form of social distinction.Less
In the development of the discourse on dissimulation within the genre of writing about courtiers and court society is seen the most successful elite institution during the early modern period. The ways in which dissimulation was represented acted as a constituent part of the courtier's art. The chapter discusses how during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the context of court society did not show a great difference in sprezzatura. Meanwhile, the appearance of neologism sprezzatura in the text of Il Libro del Cortegiano indicated the key moment of conceptual tension in Castiglione's treatment of the ideal conduct of the early modern courtier. This led to Castiglione's innovative use of the category of dissimulation in order to define the perfect courtier's code of conduct that represented the attempt to discover a new form of social distinction.
Adam Mack
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780252039188
- eISBN:
- 9780252097225
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5406/illinois/9780252039188.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, Cultural History
This book examines the connection between Chicago's sensory environment—the sights, sound and noise, scent and odor, tastes, and haptic sensations people associated with the city—and its civic ...
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This book examines the connection between Chicago's sensory environment—the sights, sound and noise, scent and odor, tastes, and haptic sensations people associated with the city—and its civic health. It explores how members of the urban middle classes used their five senses as barometers of civic health and social distinction. It shows that Chicago's sensory landscape constituted more than mere “background” to urban life; the sensations that people encountered on city streets, workplaces, and leisure spots helped them think through the perils and prospects of the city's growth and the metropolitan age more generally. The book uses the term “civic health” to analyze positive sensory experiences—for instance, a day at Chicago's White City amusement park. It also considers entrepreneurs' argument that rejuvenating the senses promised to enhance the city's civic health as much as regulation.Less
This book examines the connection between Chicago's sensory environment—the sights, sound and noise, scent and odor, tastes, and haptic sensations people associated with the city—and its civic health. It explores how members of the urban middle classes used their five senses as barometers of civic health and social distinction. It shows that Chicago's sensory landscape constituted more than mere “background” to urban life; the sensations that people encountered on city streets, workplaces, and leisure spots helped them think through the perils and prospects of the city's growth and the metropolitan age more generally. The book uses the term “civic health” to analyze positive sensory experiences—for instance, a day at Chicago's White City amusement park. It also considers entrepreneurs' argument that rejuvenating the senses promised to enhance the city's civic health as much as regulation.
Ruth A. Solie
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520238459
- eISBN:
- 9780520930063
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520238459.003.0007
- Subject:
- Music, History, Western
The chapter provides an overview on the status of opera during the nineteenth century. Opera gradually became detached from other areas of the theatrical world during the nineteenth century. Opera ...
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The chapter provides an overview on the status of opera during the nineteenth century. Opera gradually became detached from other areas of the theatrical world during the nineteenth century. Opera gratified the Victorian taste for theatricality in all its forms from charades to tableaux vivants. Its notorious reputation as a specular site marked it as peculiarly adapted to the expression of class difference and resistant to modernism and social change. Opera is taken for granted in the world of The Age of Innocence but it is a common enough feature of daily life, and references to it and to the rhythms of its season are scattered almost negligently through the book. Operagoing, like other fixtures of high culture in turn-of-the-century America, encapsulated and focused an ambivalent relationship to Europe. Opera, in its glorious contrast, offered the opportunity to engage vicariously with bohemian, foreign, or otherwise exotic lives not admitted to fastidious bourgeois circles, and to experience supercharged emotions not otherwise permitted.Less
The chapter provides an overview on the status of opera during the nineteenth century. Opera gradually became detached from other areas of the theatrical world during the nineteenth century. Opera gratified the Victorian taste for theatricality in all its forms from charades to tableaux vivants. Its notorious reputation as a specular site marked it as peculiarly adapted to the expression of class difference and resistant to modernism and social change. Opera is taken for granted in the world of The Age of Innocence but it is a common enough feature of daily life, and references to it and to the rhythms of its season are scattered almost negligently through the book. Operagoing, like other fixtures of high culture in turn-of-the-century America, encapsulated and focused an ambivalent relationship to Europe. Opera, in its glorious contrast, offered the opportunity to engage vicariously with bohemian, foreign, or otherwise exotic lives not admitted to fastidious bourgeois circles, and to experience supercharged emotions not otherwise permitted.
Adam Mack
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780252039188
- eISBN:
- 9780252097225
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5406/illinois/9780252039188.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Cultural History
This chapter examines the Chicago Fire of 1871 as a multisensory spectacle—an object of curiosity and marvel. More specifically, it considers how the fire destabilized sensory perception and threw up ...
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This chapter examines the Chicago Fire of 1871 as a multisensory spectacle—an object of curiosity and marvel. More specifically, it considers how the fire destabilized sensory perception and threw up an array of strange sensations that mocked the civic elite's attempts to control Chicago's sensory landscape. After providing a background on the fire and describing its immediate experiential aspects, the chapter discusses the disaster's impact on survivors and how they represented that impact in terms of social difference. It also looks at the relief and rebuilding efforts that followed and suggests that the firestorm of 1871 called into question Chicago's future as a site of modern industrial capitalism. It explains how the fire tested the senses of victims to expose the connections that elites drew between sensory refinement and social distinction. Finally, it shows how the fire lent credence to the notion that social class expressed itself through the senses, a notion used by elites to promote their vision of civic order even while the city burned.Less
This chapter examines the Chicago Fire of 1871 as a multisensory spectacle—an object of curiosity and marvel. More specifically, it considers how the fire destabilized sensory perception and threw up an array of strange sensations that mocked the civic elite's attempts to control Chicago's sensory landscape. After providing a background on the fire and describing its immediate experiential aspects, the chapter discusses the disaster's impact on survivors and how they represented that impact in terms of social difference. It also looks at the relief and rebuilding efforts that followed and suggests that the firestorm of 1871 called into question Chicago's future as a site of modern industrial capitalism. It explains how the fire tested the senses of victims to expose the connections that elites drew between sensory refinement and social distinction. Finally, it shows how the fire lent credence to the notion that social class expressed itself through the senses, a notion used by elites to promote their vision of civic order even while the city burned.
