The Study of Boundaries in the Social Sciences

30 Pages Posted: 18 Aug 2012

See all articles by Michèle Lamont

Michèle Lamont

Harvard University - Department of Sociology

Virág Molnár

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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Date Written: 2002

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.

Keywords: culture, identity, inequality, community, borders

Suggested Citation

Lamont, Michèle and Molnár, Virág, The Study of Boundaries in the Social Sciences (2002). Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 28, 2002, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2131344

Michèle Lamont (Contact Author)

Harvard University - Department of Sociology ( email )

33 Kirkland Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Virág Molnár

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )