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Habermas 3 5

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The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere

  • Author: Jürgen Habermas

  • Translator: Thomas Burger with assistance from Frederick Lawrence

  • Publication: The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1989.

  • Original Title: Strukturwandel der Öffentlichkeit, © 1962, Hermann Luchterhand Verlag.

Key Information

  • ISBN: 0-262-08180-6

  • Cataloging: Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  • Focuses on sociology, social structure, middle classes, and political sociology.

Section 1: Theatrical Representation and Public Sphere

  • Wilhelm's Confession: Desire to be a public figure to influence and please a broader audience.

  • Bourgeois Identity: Struggles with appearing noble while lacking noble status; uses theatre as a platform for public representation.

  • Failure of Theatrical Mission: Wilhelm’s representation is out of sync with evolving bourgeois public sphere; fails to resonate with public expectations.

Section 2: Genesis of the Bourgeois Public Sphere

  • Historical Context: Emergence of early capitalism transformed European social structures since the 13th century.

  • Spread of finance and trade capitalism started in Northern Italy.

  • Initial Assimilation: Bourgeois culture began integrating with noble courtly culture.

Section 3: Early Capitalism and Political Economy

  • Economic and Political Stabilization: Early capitalism conservatively worked within existing power structures while paving the way for future social changes.

  • Urban Markets: Emergence of trade fairs marked a shift toward broader commodity exchanges and long-distance trade.

  • Rise of Communication Networks: Merchants organized mail services to support the flow of information relevant to trade.

Section 4: Public Sphere and News Distribution

  • Development of News Trafficking: Shift from private correspondence to regular news distribution to the public.

  • Importance of Publicness: Real public discourse emerged with the advent of mass communication and free exchange of ideas.

Section 5: Press as an Informational Institution

  • Late 17th Century Changes: Emergence of the press as an important means for disseminating information to the public.

  • Government Utilization: Governments began employing the press for state announcements and information dissemination.

Section 6: Evolving Public Authority

  • Development of State Apparatus: Establishment of administration and governance marked the transition from feudal to modern state structures.

  • Formation of Public Authority: Consolidated public authority took shape with a bureaucracy distinct from individual rulers.

Section 7: Social Impact of Mercantilism

  • Public Interest Shift: Authority began to acknowledge public interest, resulting in a more engaged citizenry.

  • Critical Sphere Emergence: Citizenry began to formulate a critical view of state authority and mercantilist policies.

Section 8: Journalism and Public Discourse

  • Emergence of Critical Journalism: Start of political and social discussions through journalism reflected an engaged public.

  • Importance of Periodicals: Rise of critical periodicals catered to and fostered public opinion and debate.

Section 9: Role of the Bourgeois Family

  • Private Sphere Dynamics: Changing family structures underpinned the expectations and behaviors within the bourgeois public sphere.

  • Critical Self-Reflection: The bourgeois public sphere reflects a shift in societal norms around individuality, culture, and collective consciousness.