Between 1000 and 1536 Scandinavia was transformed from a
conglomerate of largely pre-state societies to societies
characterized by state governments. Its most important single
aspect was the increasing monopolization of 'legitimate' violence
by the state. But Church and State also used literacy to strengthen
social control, and they did so in central and important areas:
jurisdiction, religious conformity and accounting. Thus, they hoped
to control the areas they understood to be most important. Their
intentions were largely fulfilled. The main driving force behind
the transition to state societies was the monopolization of
legitimate violence, but the use of literacy made a difference as
well. By writing down oral 'laws', and by increasingly resorting to
writing in traditionally oral judicial procedures, the state
gradually gained control of institutionalized social practices with
a minimum of 'legitimate violence'. Written laws made social norms
more precise and easier to change, a necessity in an increasingly
complex society. Writing also strengthened social cohesion by
creating common religious rituals, procedures and narratives.
Written accounts made taxation more stable and therefore seem more
just and acceptable. The basic social transformations of the period
cannot be attributed to increasing literacy alone. But the written
word rendered the reorganization of society in Scandinavia more
peaceful and gradual, strengthened social conformity and cohesion.
General
Imprint: |
Brepols N.V.
|
Country of origin: |
Belgium |
Release date: |
2005 |
First published: |
October 2004 |
Authors: |
Arnved Nedkvitne
|
Dimensions: |
248 x 168 x 25mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Hardcover - Cloth over boards
|
Pages: |
308 |
ISBN-13: |
978-2-503-51450-5 |
Categories: |
Books >
Language & Literature >
Language & linguistics >
Literacy
|
LSN: |
2-503-51450-2 |
Barcode: |
9782503514505 |
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!