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The Study of Boundaries in the Social Sciences

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Lamont, Michèle, Molnár, Virág·2002·Annual Review of Sociology
DOI 10.1146/annurev.soc.28.110601.141107
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Abstract

▪ Abstract In recent years, the concept of boundaries has been at the center of influential research agendas in anthropology, history, political science, social psychology, and sociology. This article surveys some of these developments while describing the value added provided by the concept, particularly concerning the study of relational processes. It discusses literatures on (a) social and collective identity; (b) class, ethnic/racial, and gender/sex inequality; (c) professions, knowledge, and science; and (d) communities, national identities, and spatial boundaries. It points to similar processes at work across a range of institutions and social locations. It also suggests paths for further developments, focusing on the relationship between social and symbolic boundaries, cultural mechanisms for the production of boundaries, difference and hybridity, and cultural membership and group classifications.

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Metadata

Authors
Lamont, M., & Molnár, V.
Venue
Annual Review of Sociology
Publisher
Annual Reviews
Published
2002-08
Volume
28
Issue
1
Pages
167-195
ISSN
  • 0360-0572 (ISSN-L)
  • 1545-2115
DOI
10.1146/annurev.soc.28.110601.141107
OpenAlex
W2098486530
Cited by
5,059
References
12
FWCI
130.03
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
green

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