Habit's Pathways: Repetition, Power, Conduct

Tony Bennett's book "Habits Pathways" explores the political consequences of habits repetitions across different historical contexts, including medieval Europe, plantation slavery, and the factory system. He demonstrates how habits have been used as an apparatus for achieving success, self-fulfillment, and freedom for the powerful, while also serving as a means of control over women, racialized peoples, and subordinate classes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

Habit has long captivated the minds of theologians, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, and neuroscientists alike. In his book "Habit Pathways," Tony Bennett delves into the profound political implications of the diverse ways in which habits, repetitions, and patterns of behavior have been employed to shape or influence conduct. Bennett examines the multifaceted uses and consequences of habits across various historical contexts, including medieval European monastic practices, plantation slavery, the factory system, colonial governance, and various medicalized pathologies. By drawing upon these historical episodes, Bennett sheds light on contemporary debates, ranging from their role in perpetuating white supremacy to the algorithmic harvesting of habits in practices of algorithmic governance. Throughout his exploration, Bennett meticulously tracks how habits repetitions have been articulated differently across social divisions such as class, race, and gender. He demonstrates that while habits have been instrumental in enabling success, self-fulfillment, and freedom for those in power, they have also served as tools of control and oppression for women, racialized populations, and subordinate classes.

Bennett's book offers a thought-provoking analysis of the intricate relationship between habits, power, and social structures. It challenges readers to consider the ways in which habits shape our lives and the broader societal implications of their repetition. Through his comprehensive examination of history and contemporary issues, Bennett provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the political dimensions of habit and its potential for transformation.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478024989