The Logic of Writing and the Organization of Society

Jack Goody (Author)

9780521339629, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 December 1986

232 pages
21.4 x 13.8 x 1.9 cm, 0.253 kg

'The four major chapters are densely packed with details and comparisons. They attest to Goody's rich learning, and they have much to tell readers.' American Anthropologist

This book assesses the impact of writing on human societies, both in the Ancient Near East and in twentieth-century Africa, and highlights some general features of social systems that have been influenced by this major change in the mode of communication. Such features are central to any attempt at the theoretical definition of human society and such constituent phenomena as religious and legal systems, and in this study Professor Goody explores the role of a specific mechanism, the introduction of writing and the development of a written tradition, in the explanation of some important social differences and similarities. Goody argues that a shift of emphasis from productive to certain communicative processes is essential to account adequately for major changes in human societies. Whilst there have been previous descussions of the effect of literacy upon social organisation, no study has hitherto presented the general synthesis developed here.

Studies in literacy, family, culture and the state: an introduction
Preface
1. The word of God
2. The word of mammon
3. The state, the bureau and the file
4. The letter of the law
5. Ruptures and continuities
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Anthropology [JHM]