Lucy's very cogent analysis of recent scholars' problems with Moore and
Ginzburg's over-generalizations (or broad-brush group psychology) I repeat
my suggestion about the work of Sander Gilman. He tries to examine
stereotypes in the context of individual psychology, finding them as both
"normal" (a needed means of categorization done by all, albeit briefly) and
pathological (if the individual cannot let go of the stereotype to move on
to recognition of individual's separate from the group). Because Gilman
uses an individualistic psychology, I find it more useful as a tool to
examine people from distant time periods. He avoids the oversimplification
of the social constructionist position which seems to view individuals as
stamped from socio-cultural molds. I'm sure there are those who disagree
vehemently with the Gilman position as well, but it does move well beyond
Douglas while still using some of her valuable hypotheses. Regards, Terry
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