Dirt and Denigration: Stigma and Marginalisation in Ancient Rome

Jack J. Lennon's book explores the groups in ancient Rome that were most frequently attacked using the language of dirtiness and contamination, focusing on how this stigma affected those who attracted allegations of dirtiness. He combines traditional elements of ancient history with research models and theories from anthropology, psychology, and medieval history to provide a new avenue of approach for the study of marginal groups and the process of marginalisation within Roman society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 261 pages
Publication date: 17 October 2022
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

Jack J. Lennon delves into the groups in ancient Rome that faced frequent attacks using derogatory language and notions of dirtiness and contamination. Whether due to their profession, ethnicity, or social status, these groups were often stigmatized as impure. Lennon's study focuses on those who commonly bore the burden of impurity and explores the significance of denigration in Roman society. He defines denigration as attacks against individuals solely based on their alleged dirtiness.

The author demonstrates the importance of dirtiness as a mechanism within the broader processes of social and political interactions and marginalization. By going beyond the existing discussions of who was labeled unclean in ancient Rome, Lennon reveals how the perceived dirtiness of an individual or group was articulated to the rest of society and perpetuated over time. He also considers the impact of this stigma on those who attracted allegations of dirtiness.

The study of dirt and its role within social interactions provides a valuable lens through which to examine Roman society's evolving perceptions of itself and of those peoples or activities that were deemed to require censure or control. Lennon combines traditional elements of ancient history with research models and theories developed across anthropology, psychology, and medieval history, each of which has made significant contributions to the study of stigma and marginalization. By exploring the subject of dirt and its impact on social status in ancient Rome, Lennon offers a fresh approach to studying marginal groups and the process of marginalization within Roman society.

Weight: 521g
ISBN-13: 9783161617072