Legitimating Identities
The Self-Presentations of Rulers and Subjects

This book discusses how rulers cultivate their identity for their own self-justification and esteem.

Rodney Barker (Author)

9780521004251, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 October 2001

170 pages
21.7 x 13.9 x 1.3 cm, 0.248 kg

'There are certainly suggestive ideas and important insights in this short essay …'. History of Political Thought

Rulers of all kinds, from feudal monarchs to democratic presidents and prime ministers, justify themselves to themselves through a variety of rituals, rhetoric, and dramatisations, using everything from architecture and coinage to etiquette and portraiture. This kind of legitimation - self-legitimation - has been overlooked in an age which is concerned principally with how government can be justified in the eyes of its citizens. In this book, Rodney Barker argues that at least as much time is spent by rulers legitimating themselves in their own eyes, and cultivating their own sense of identity, as is spent in trying to convince ordinary subjects. Once this dimension of ruling is taken into account, a far fuller understanding can be gained of what rulers are doing when they rule. It can also open the way to a more complete grasp of what subjects are doing, both when they obey and when they rebel.

1. Legitimacy and legitimation
2. Legitimating identities
3. King John's Christmas cards: self-legitimation
4. Cousins at home and abroad
5. Rebels and vigilantes
6. Citizens
7. Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Social theory [JHBA], Social & political philosophy [HPS], General & world history [HBG]