Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo

by Douglas; MARY

• ISBN13: 9780415289955
• ISBN10: 0415289955
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781134438235
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-11-15
• Publisher: Routledge
• More Book Details

Summary

InPurity and DangerMary Douglas identifies the concern for purity as a key theme at the heart of every society. In lively and lucid prose she explains its relevance for every reader by revealing its wide-ranging impact on our attitudes to society, values, cosmology and knowledge. The book has been hugely influential in many areas of debate - from religion to social theory. But perhaps its most important role is to offer each reader a new explanation of why people behave in the way they do. With a specially commissioned introduction by the author which assesses the continuing significance of the work thirty-five years on, thisRoutledge Classicsedition will ensure thatPurity and Dangercontinues to challenge and question well into the new millennium.

Author Biography

Mary Douglas (1921-). One of the most distinguished antropologists active in the world today

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vii
Preface to the Routledge Classics Edition	x
Introduction	1	(7)
Ritual Uncleanness	8	(28)
Secular Defilement	36	(15)
The Abominations of Leviticus	51	(21)
Magic and Miracle	72	(19)
Primitive Worlds	91	(26)
Powers and Dangers	117	(24)
External Boundaries	141	(19)
Internal Lines	160	(13)
The System at War with Itself	173	(23)
The System Shattered and Renewed	196	(25)
Bibliography	221	(6)
Index	227