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A Theory of Mutable and Immutable Characteristics: Their Impact on Allocation and Structural Positions

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Abstract

This article presents the global-mutable-immutable scheme. Globals are purely macro properties of societies, while immutables are purely micro properties of individuals. Mutables are the micro-macro bridging elements, having both an aggregated macro (distributional) form, as well as a micro form. The importance of this distinction for the analysis of norm, status and role is shown. The article concludes by showing how the configuration of globals, mutables and immutables affect the allocation of an individual into the five-dimensional mutable structure of his or her society at a given point in time.

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Authors
  1. Kenneth D. Bailey
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Bailey, K.D. A Theory of Mutable and Immutable Characteristics: Their Impact on Allocation and Structural Positions. Quality & Quantity 32, 383–398 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004329113862

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004329113862

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