Cultural theory through the looking glass: allocation practices and hegemonic cultures

Abstract

The core of the argument lies in offering a system-theoretical grid which pinpoints attention of researchers on certain properties of social structures. This should enable them to make qualifying judgements more easily when confronted with emipirical cases. These structures derived from mathematical considerations will, on the other hand, correspond no more to empirical data than the presupposed structures of ideal crystals do with the majority of found ones or planetary orbits match ellipses. Still do such guiding rods improve proper classifications. The difficulties which may result from lack of proper instruments for qualifications is in the sequel illustrated by discussing the concept of hierarchy as proposed by M. Douglas. Finally, suggestions are made for making the rather static concepts of CT more dynamic by suggesting particular energy flows resulting from different resources of energy and from their specific distributions in dependence of the distinct solidarities. Only in passing—as published elsewhere (Funken and Low eds., 2003)—are time and space patterns discussed as important resources and likewise leading principles for organizing thought styles.