Synopses & Reviews
From military despots to democratic presidents, rulers spend much time convincing themselves of their right to be in charge. This important and original new survey draws on a growing body of research in political science, history, and sociology to reveal how governments devote time, resources, and energy to cultivating their own sense of who they are, not for the benefit or persuasion of the public, but for their own self-justification and esteem.
Review
"In emphasizing self-legitimation, Barker has led us to new an insightful areas of study. This new volume is a major contribution to the study of politcal processes." American Journal of Sociology
Synopsis
A discussion of how rulers cultivate their identity for their own self-justification and esteem.
Synopsis
All rulers spend time convincing themselves of their right to rule. Legitimating Identities draws on a growing body of research in political science, history, and sociology to show how governments of all kinds devote resources and energy to cultivating their identity for their own self-justification and esteem.