Repulsed by the “Other”

Abstract

We offer an integration of theory and method in the study of intergroup social associations. Specifically, we show that models for intergroup association tables developed using generic log-linear methods for categorical data analysis embody a general theoretical point of view on the driving force behind intergroup association, namely, as the outcome of a probabilistic process of repulsion from dissimilar others. We develop this argument and illustrate it with intermarriage data. We conclude by identifying the advantages that accrue to both theory and method when the theoretical assumptions underlying the application of a generic statistical methodology are clearly understood.Most scholars would agree with Collins (1988: appendix) that the use of generic statistical methods, such as regression analysis of linearly scaled variables or log-linear analysis of categorical frequency counts, involves implicit theoretical assumptions. Most would also agree that there is value in understanding what these assumptions are. In the study of intergroup associations, a case in point is Skvoretz (1991), who presents a family of models for such association derived from biased-net theory (Rapoport 1963(Rapoport , 1979Skvoretz 1985Skvoretz , 1990a. The assumptions of the models are explicitly set out and consequences for patterns of association derived. These derivations are compared to those from log-linear models developed by Marsden (1981) also for the purpose of studying intergroup association. Skvoretz demonstrates that the two types of models lead to different interpretations, but he is unable to identify a theoretical process that underlies and is consistent with the log-linear models employed by Marsden.

Strzały zatrutego powietrza „na ludzie i na każdą rzecz”. Wczesnonowożytne kształtowanie doświadczenia zarazy

“…Analizując poświęcone jej staropolskie teksty literackie, Piotr Borek podkreśla, że "autorzy dawni dokonywali świadomej selekcji opisywanych zdarzeń, nierzadko modelowali konceptystyczne obrazy służące celom wychowawczym, moralnym" 46 . Ta moralizacja zarazy związana jest z rozpowszechnionym przekonaniem o jej celowości -według nowożytnych istnieć miała causa moralis powszechnego cierpienia, które służyć miało ukaraniu ludzi za popełnione grzechy 47 .…”