THE CULTURE OF PUBLIC PROBLEMS. DRINKING-DRIVING AND THE SYMBOLIC ORDER

This book describes and analyzes the cognitive, moral, and social framework in which a phenomenon is defined and treated as a public problem. Using drinking and driving as a case example, the author presents a perspective on the study of public problems which emphasizes the role of language and ritual in creating a sense of order and authority in human behavior. Consistencies and inconsistencies between public ceremony and routine performance for those concerned with drinking-driving behavior are explored. Concepts from cultural anthropology and literary criticism are employed to demonstrate the central role of metaphor, rhetoric, and ritual in the "science" of auto safety research, in the communication of the "facts" about drinking-driving to the public, and in the legal ceremonies enacted in traffic court.

  • Corporate Authors:

    University of Chicago Press

    1427 E. 60th Street
    Chicago, IL  United States  60637-2954
  • Authors:
    • Gusfield, J R
  • Publication Date: 1981

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References;
  • Pagination: 263 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00393638
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-037 545
  • Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Apr 29 1985 12:00AM