Violence Control and the Civilization of Intimacy. Remarks on Norbert Elias’ Sociology

Anotace: This study is a modest contribution to the reception of Norbert Elias, one of the giants of 20th century sociology. The paper’s overriding question concerns the relevance of the Eliasian big-picture narrative: whether the theory of civilization is sufficient to explain this process or is it possible to include complementary factors? It will be argued that while Norbert Elias convincingly explores several key elements of the Western civilizing process, he does not ascribe due importance to the long-term transformation of the intimate sphere. The paper claims that, from the 17th century onwards, the centre of family-life has shifted from paternal authority to maternal care and psychological harmonization. Hence, it is justifiable to regard the shift of the power balance within the family as a key explanatory factor of the civilizing process.