In the sociological theory of witchcraft, the concept of stolen thunder refers to the phenomenon where a group or individual takes credit for someone else's accomplishments or ideas. This term was coined by sociologist Erving Goffman in his work "Frame Analysis: An Essay on the Organization of Experience". Stolen thunder can be seen as a form of social manipulation and power play, where the person or group that steals the thunder gains recognition and prestige while the original person or group is left unrecognized or forgotten. This phenomenon can occur in various social contexts, such as academic settings, professional environments, and even within interpersonal relationships. In the context of witchcraft, stolen thunder can be observed in the way certain individuals or groups claim to have supernatural powers or abilities that were originally attributed to others. These individuals may manipulate beliefs and perceptions to gain authority and control over others, effectively stealing the thunder of those who may have genuinely possessed such abilities.
The Hands of the Emperor, Victoria Goddard (2019)
Recommended to me by a friend who said it was ineluctably Canadian because it held “peace, order, and good government” to be virtues. This seemed so unusual in a fantasy novel (or any genre novel, really) that I picked it up. It’s long. Very long. And it’s good, and indeed, this is a rare book where government is a good thing. It’s also about friendship, and holding on to minority culture. It has a health service and UBI and yes, in a fantasy world with magic and an interestingly odd tech level, and a huge complex fantasy world. It’s not perfect, there are certainly parts of it that could have been tightened up, but on the whole this is a very good book that one can sink into and enjoy. The world needs more things like this. If you liked the kindness and quiet fixing things elements of Addison’s The Goblin Emperor, try this. And if you’re interested in political SF and thought-provoking social experiment SF, then definitely read it.
The children play, in Cumbria in 1930, that they are explorers and pirates, and that the white, local population including their mother and baby sister are natives and savages. The class came into its own with the construction of the Culinaria Kitchen Laboratory, funded through an Ontario provincial infrastructure grant, which allowed students in lab sections to prepare recipes at their own cooking stations, thereby gaining an experiential understanding of culinary labor.
These individuals may manipulate beliefs and perceptions to gain authority and control over others, effectively stealing the thunder of those who may have genuinely possessed such abilities. Goffman argues that stolen thunder serves as a mechanism for social control and dominance. By taking credit for someone else's accomplishments or ideas, the thief is able to assert their superiority and establish hierarchies within social groups.
Tor.com
This can lead to the marginalization and disempowerment of the original person or group, as their contributions are overshadowed or erased. The concept of stolen thunder also highlights the importance of recognition and validation in social interactions. When one's accomplishments or ideas are not acknowledged, it can lead to feelings of frustration, resentment, and even powerlessness. Societies and communities need mechanisms in place to ensure that credit is given where it is due, in order to foster a sense of fairness and equality. Overall, the concept of stolen thunder in the sociological theory of witchcraft sheds light on the dynamics of social power, manipulation, and recognition. It emphasizes the need for accountability and fairness in social interactions, and reminds us of the importance of acknowledging and valuing the contributions of others..
Reviews for "Stolen Thunder and the Intersection of Social Class and Witchcraft Beliefs"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - Although "Stolen Thunder in the Sociological Theory of Witchcraft" claims to provide a fresh perspective on the topic, I found it to be quite lacking in substance. The author's argument was weak and didn't provide enough evidence or analysis to support their claims. Additionally, the writing style was dry and convoluted, making it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 1 star - "Stolen Thunder in the Sociological Theory of Witchcraft" is a terrible read. I had high hopes for this book, but it turned out to be a collection of random, disjointed thoughts and ideas. The author failed to present a clear thesis or argument, and the organization of the chapters was confusing. Furthermore, the book lacked a cohesive narrative and failed to engage the reader. I would not waste my time or money on this book.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - As someone who has a strong interest in the topic of witchcraft, I was excited to dive into "Stolen Thunder in the Sociological Theory of Witchcraft." Unfortunately, I found the book to be quite underwhelming. The author seemed more focused on name-dropping and showing off their knowledge rather than presenting a coherent argument. The writing style was overly academic and jargon-filled, making it difficult to grasp the main ideas. Overall, I was left wanting more substance and clarity from this book.