Rational Ritual: Culture, Coordination, and Common Knowledge

(Paperback, Revised edition)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Why do Internet, financial service, and beer commercials dominate Super Bowl advertising How do political ceremonies establish authority Why does repetition characterize anthems and ritual speech Why were circular forms favored for public festivals during the French Revolution This book answers these questions using a single concept: common kno

Reviews

"Communal activities, with lots of emotional and symbolic content ... serve a rational purpose, argues Michael Suk-Young Chwe... [His] work, like his own academic career, bridges several social sciences."--Virginia Postrel, New York Times "A welcome addition... Rational Ritual ... can be understood and enjoyed by almost anyone interested in human interaction."--Vincent P. Crawford, Journal of Economic Literature "Chwe's work contains a gem of an idea... The originality of Chwe's thinking, and his courage in stepping over the boundaries of academic disciplines, deserve admiration."--Tilman Brgers, Economica "An innovative and broad-ranging book."--Alfred Stepan, Comparative Politics

Author Bio

Michael Suk-Young Chwe is Associate Professor of political science at the University of California, Los Angeles and author of "Jane Austen, Game Theorist" (Princeton).