
- 208 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
Is cleanliness next to godliness? What does such a concept really mean? Why does it recur as a universal theme across all societies? And what are the implications for the unclean?
In Purity and Danger Mary Douglas identifies the concern for purity as a key theme at the heart of every society. In lively and lucid prose she explains its relevance for every reader by revealing its wide-ranging impact on our attitudes to society, values, cosmology and knowledge. This book has been hugely influential in many areas of debate – from religion to social theory. With a specially commissioned preface by the author which assesses the continuing significance of the work, this Routledge Classics edition will ensure that Purity and Danger continues to challenge, question and inspire for many years to come.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Halftitle
- Title
- Copyright
- CONTENTS
- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- PREFACE TO THE ROUTLEDGE CLASSICS EDITION
- Introduction
- 1 Ritual Uncleanness
- 2 Secular Defilement
- 3 The Abominations of Leviticus
- 4 Magic and Miracle
- 5 Primitive Worlds
- 6 Powers and Dangers
- 7 External Boundaries
- 8 Internal Lines
- 9 The System at War with Itself
- 10 The System Shattered and Renewed
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- INDEX