Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online

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Class consciousness
(3,680 words)

1. Concept

Class consciousness is closely related to a group's view of itself, sharpening awareness of the commonalities of its members. It becomes apparent in behavior and qualities that emerge from self-definition as a class, for example the nobility. Observance of (unwritten) rules is necessary to secure membership. Class consciousness thus develops and defends norms that apply at particular times…

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Gussone, Monika, “Class consciousness”, in: Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online, Editors of the English edition: Graeme Dunphy, Andrew Gow. Original German Edition: Enzyklopädie der Neuzeit. Im Auftrag des Kulturwissenschaftlichen Instituts (Essen) und in Verbindung mit den Fachherausgebern herausgegeben von Friedrich Jaeger. Copyright © J.B. Metzlersche Verlagsbuchhandlung und Carl Ernst Poeschel Verlag GmbH 2005–2012. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2352-0272_emho_COM_028190>
First published online: 2015
First print edition: 20160907



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