----------------- HES POSTING ----------------- 
 
With respect to Warren Samuels' superb definition of the sociology of economics I have a
question (and a research proposal).  With respect to the "hierarchical structure of esteem
and sacrifice" has any systematic study (or casual study for that matter) been made of our
own (HET) hierarchical structure?
 
It's my casual impression that brutal criticism, combined with encouragement plus the
absence of a stifling institutional hierarchy are among the ingredients of a healthy
sociological culture.
 
But what role does an institutional hierarchy play?  The Australian intellectual climate
(including HET) does not really have one.  The British have one but it remains dormant
(and in bad taste to pull rank in academic company).  But it appears that in the USA some
(but only some) of the fat cats at the high status schools abrogate to themselves an
aristocratic demeanour.  More surprisingly, for a country which was founded by those
seeking shelter from the oppression of aristocratic Europe, this status-bound behaviour
attracts not ridicule but deference from the “lesser” brethren.
 
Does this casual observation have any wider validity with respect to the HET community?
If so, how derivative is this behaviour with respect to the wider economics, academic and
general culture?
 
Robert Leeson 
Murdoch University (low status) 
 
------------ FOOTER TO HES POSTING ------------ 
For information, send the message "info HES" to [log in to unmask]